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.
Cara McKinzie
May 15, 2025 AT 18:42Tatum out? no wryy, Celtics still crush kk.
Joseph Conlon
May 17, 2025 AT 13:22The Celtics' bench stepped up big time after Tatum's injury. Derrick White poured in 34 points, which is a massive boost for any team. His three‑point barrage forced the Knicks to scramble and rethink their perimeter defense. Meanwhile Jaylen Brown turned into a makeshift point guard, dishing out a career‑high twelve assists. That kind of ball‑movement is exactly what a playoff series demands. Yet the Knicks still managed to keep the series alive, showing that even a blown lead can feel like a footrace. It’s odd how quickly momentum can swing when a single star goes down. Some fans will argue that the Knicks’ defense collapsed, but others might point to the Celtics simply shooting better. The reality is that both sides have hidden flaws that only get exposed under pressure. For example, Al Horford’s rebounding and veteran poise gave Boston a second‑line sanity check. On the other hand, Josh Hart’s 24 points were a bright spot for New York, even if they didn’t translate into a win. The series now feels like a tug‑of‑war, with each game acting as a fresh rope pull. If the Knicks regain composure in Game 6, they could force a decisive Game 7 back in Boston. Conversely, if Boston keeps their shooting rhythm, they might close it out before the season ends. Either way, the drama isn’t over and the next couple of nights will be pure basketball theater.
Mohit Singh
May 19, 2025 AT 08:02Honestly, the Knicks’ collapse was inevitable once the Celtics found their groove; their defense looked like a sieve, and no amount of Hart or Brunson could patch that up. Boston’s role players simply capitalized on every weak rotation, turning the game into a demolition derby.
Damian Liszkiewicz
May 21, 2025 AT 02:42Great to see the Celtics rally without their MVP – it shows depth matters more than star power. 🌟 White’s shooting sparked the crowd, and Brown’s playmaking kept the ball moving. Remember, every big win is a team effort, and the Knicks can still adjust their defense. Keep the vibes positive, everyone! 😊
Angela Arribas
May 22, 2025 AT 21:22While the article is mostly well‑written, there’s a missing comma after “Boston” in the second paragraph and “shooting” should be pluralized in “their shooting”. Also, celebrating a win while ignoring the opponent’s effort feels a bit smug. Let’s keep it classy, folks! :)
Sienna Ficken
May 24, 2025 AT 16:02Oh wow, the Celtics pulled a 25‑point blowout without Tatum – guess the Knicks finally discovered the secret recipe for losing fast. Guess we’ll all be feather‑dusters cleaning up after that masterpiece.
Zac Death
May 26, 2025 AT 10:42Hey, I get where you’re coming from about the commas, but let’s not let nitpicking steal the joy of a solid win! The Celtics showed heart, and that’s what inspires fans to keep cheering, even when the stats get messy. Sometimes the bigger picture – the hustle, the grit – matters more than a stray punctuation mark. So let’s celebrate the effort and keep the energy high for Game 6! 🙌
Lizzie Fournier
May 28, 2025 AT 05:22True, the Knicks had a rough night, but every team hits a slump now and then. It’s a chance for them to regroup, tighten up that defense, and come back swinging. Let’s stay supportive and see how they respond in the next game.
JAN SAE
May 30, 2025 AT 00:02Absolutely, Zach!, the energy is what fuels the crowd, and, honestly, those little details, like commas, don’t change the fact that Boston’s bench stepped up, delivering a performance worth cheering for, so let’s keep the hype alive!!
Steve Dunkerley
May 31, 2025 AT 18:42From an efficiency standpoint, Boston’s true shooting percentage (TS%) surged past 60% in Game 5, driven largely by White’s 7-for-10 from beyond the arc and Brown’s 12 assists translating into high‑value possessions. Simultaneously, New York’s defensive rating ballooned to 118, indicating systemic breakdowns in perimeter containment and off‑ball rotation. The variance in net rating (+15) underscores the impact of role‑player contributions when a primary scorer is sidelined.