Knicks can’t handle heat as eight-seed Miami advances to ECF via G6 rout

In a thriller, the Miami Heat advanced to the Conference Finals after outlasting the New York Knicks, 96-92, in Game 6 of their East Semis saga this Friday.

The Heat managed to escape the Knicks’ last minute rally after being up 92-86 following Bam Adebayo’s thunderous dunk. New York managed to get closer by under two after Jalen Brunson sank two free throws off Gabe Vincent’s flagrant foul and Josh Hart’s layup shot.

Brunson had a chance to tie the match but committed a costly turnover. This turned out to be the main key for Miami to finally close out the series and sustain the glow of their historic Cinderella run.

With the victory, Miami sealed another East Finals appearance for the third time in four years. They become just the second eighth-seeded club to book a spot to the Conference’s last round, joining the mighty 1999 Knicks.

They are now also the first Play-in club to be within the Conference Finals. They notably ousted Giannis Antetokounmpo and the top-seed Milwaukee Bucks on their first-round encounter in a huge shocker.

Jimmy Butler had 22 points and eight boards, but shot 7-of-22 from the field. Adebayo delivered 23 points and nine boards, while Max Strus chipped in 14 points.

Kyle Lowry was pivotal off the bench with his playmaking and scoring production, registering 11 points and nine assists in 31 minutes.

Brunson had another magnificent night, carrying New York alone with his 41-point eruption in 14-of-22 shooting to go with four boards and three assists. Both Julius Randle and RJ Barrett struggled from the field, combining for just 26 points in 4-of-24 field goals.

The fifth-placers in the Knicks will head out to the NBA Playoffs with their heads held high. They outlasted odds and initial judgements by majority and went on to have a Conference Semis finish this season. With Brunson shining and their future picks still loaded and available, they have a bright future to welcome for years to come.

Miami will now wait who will emerge victorious between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics as both heavyweight teams will collide for an epic, do-or-die Game 7 on Sunday.