Celtics Keep Hope Alive with a 127-102 Victory Over Knicks in Game 5
The Boston Celtics refused to fade away, delivering a commanding 127-102 triumph over the New York Knicks in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Derrick White came alive with 34 points, showcasing his sharpshooting prowess by sinking seven 3-pointers to energize the home crowd at TD Garden on Wednesday night.
Despite playing without their star, Jayson Tatum, due to a season-ending Achilles injury, the Celtics executed a masterclass in perimeter shooting, connecting on 22 3-pointers, marking their first home victory of the series.
While the Knicks are one win away from securing the series, they must try again on their home court this Friday. Should Boston emerge victorious, a decisive Game 7 will unfold in Beantown on Monday.
Jaylen Brown was instrumental with 26 points and 12 assists, while Luke Kornet flirted with a triple-double, contributing 10 points, nine rebounds, and an impressive seven rejections.
The Celtics are eyeing a spot in history, aiming to become just the 14th team to come back from a daunting 3-1 deficit in the history of the NBA playoffs.
Despite the Knicks' setback, Josh Hart emerged as a beacon for New York with 24 points, battling through adversity after suffering a cut on his face in the first quarter. Jalen Brunson also added spark with 22 points but was fouled out with 7:19 remaining.
Boston's resilience was evident, particularly in the third quarter when they obliterated a nine-point Knicks lead, charging ahead with a 23-9 run to end the quarter at 91-76. The Celtics' dominance extended into the fourth, stretching their lead to 28 at its peak.
Tempers flared briefly in a face-off between Hart and Brown, but Boston channeled that energy into an offensive barrage. White’s five 3-pointers in the first half helped build momentum, regardless of the Knicks' own early barrage from downtown, maintaining pace with eight 3-pointers and capitalizing on second-chance points.
The first half ended with the teams deadlocked at 59, but the Celtics' stamina and strategy proved decisive as they pulled away late in the game.
Both teams now look to Friday's game in New York, with the Celtics hoping to extend the series and the Knicks eager to close it out.
