Celtics Surge Past Knicks, Stay Alive in the Series
The Boston Celtics aren't giving up just yet. With their season on the line and star Jayson Tatum sidelined by an Achilles injury, Boston roared back in Game 5 to topple the New York Knicks 127-102 at TD Garden. This dominant win cut the Knicks’ series lead to 3-2 and set up a high-pressure Game 6 in New York, keeping the Eastern Conference semifinals wide open.
From the opening tip, Boston played like a team determined not to see their season end on home court. Derrick White stole the spotlight, dropping a blistering 34 points, including 7 shots from deep. Every time the Celtics needed a bucket, White answered—his scoring outburst included off-balance threes, fast-break finishes, and tough drives that fired up the home crowd. His shooting stretched the Knicks’ defense and gave Boston a cushion the visitors never really threatened.
Jaylen Brown, forced into a bigger role with Tatum out, looked comfortable running the show. He delivered 26 points, grabbed 8 boards, and dished out a playoff career-high 12 assists. Brown was more than just a scorer—he orchestrated the Celtics' offense, found teammates on the perimeter, and pushed the tempo every chance he got. His strong decision-making and unselfish play were exactly what Boston needed to offset Tatum’s absence.
Knicks Struggle to Keep Up as Series Moves to Game 6
The Knicks, so relentless throughout this postseason run, just couldn't find their edge. Josh Hart did his best to keep New York close with 24 points and 7 rebounds, and Jalen Brunson chipped in 22 points and 6 assists. But the Knicks’ defense, which had been one of their calling cards all year, simply fell apart. Boston feasted on open looks from outside—the Celtics shot 45% from three—and their ball movement kept the Knicks scrambling.
Sam Hauser rejoined the Celtics lineup after his own injury, giving Boston extra shooting to help space the floor. Without Tatum, players like Al Horford and Payton Pritchard also stepped up with timely contributions on both ends. Horford snagged key rebounds and protected the paint, while Pritchard gave Boston crucial minutes off the bench, knocking down perimeter shots and making smart decisions with the ball. Even with a depleted roster, Boston's role players delivered when it mattered.
Now the pressure flips back to New York. Madison Square Garden is set to host a massive Game 6, with the Knicks clinging to a 3-2 lead. For a franchise that hasn’t made the Eastern Conference Finals in decades, the stakes couldn’t be higher. They’ll have to regroup fast, especially on defense, or face the uncomfortable prospect of a winner-take-all Game 7 in Boston. The Celtics, reenergized by this win, won’t make it easy.
After such a decisive Game 5 performance and with the return of battle-tested veterans, Boston has shown they’re far from finished—even without their biggest star.