Celtics Dominate Game 5 Without Tatum, Force Game 6 in New York

The Boston Celtics showcased resilience and depth in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, defeating the New York Knicks 127–102 at TD Garden on Wednesday night. Despite the absence of star forward Jayson Tatum due to a season-ending Achilles injury, the Celtics narrowed the Knicks' series lead to 3–2 and kept their playoff hopes alive.

White Steps Up in Tatum's Absence

Derrick White emerged as Boston's offensive catalyst, pouring in 34 points while shooting an efficient 9-of-16 from the field and 7-of-13 from beyond the arc. The veteran guard added six assists and five rebounds in what Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla called "one of the most complete performances of his career."

"We knew everyone needed to step up with JT out," White said postgame. "Nobody can replace what Jayson brings, but we believed in our depth and our system. Tonight was about playing with desperation and pride."

Jaylen Brown, now carrying an even heavier burden as the team's primary star, contributed 26 points and a career playoff-high 12 assists, orchestrating Boston's offense with poise and precision.

Kornet Provides Defensive Spark

Perhaps the biggest surprise came from reserve center Luke Kornet, who delivered a standout performance with 10 points, nine rebounds, and a career-high seven blocks in 28 minutes. His rim protection transformed Boston's defense and repeatedly frustrated the Knicks' drives.

"Luke was phenomenal tonight," Mazzulla said. "His ability to protect the paint allowed our perimeter defenders to be more aggressive. Those seven blocks don't even capture his full impact on the defensive end."

Payton Pritchard added 17 points off the bench, including five three-pointers, as Boston's reserves outscored New York's bench 41-18.

Second-Half Surge

After entering halftime tied at 59, the Celtics exploded in the second half, outscoring the Knicks 68–43. Boston's ball movement created open looks throughout the final 24 minutes, resulting in 22 made three-pointers for the game at a 47.8% clip.

"We just kept moving the ball and trusting each other," Brown explained. "Without Jayson, we knew we couldn't rely on isolation basketball. Everyone touched the ball, everyone was a threat."

Boston's defense tightened significantly after halftime, limiting New York to just 38.8% shooting from the field and 28.6% from three-point range for the game.

Knicks' Stars Struggle

For the Knicks, Josh Hart led with 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Jalen Brunson added 22 points before fouling out early in the fourth quarter. However, New York's other stars faltered when needed most.

OG Anunoby endured a nightmare shooting night, going just 1-for-12 from the field and finishing with 3 points. Karl-Anthony Towns, who dominated earlier games in the series, was held to just 10 points on 4-of-13 shooting against Boston's refocused interior defense.

"Sometimes you just don't have it," Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau acknowledged. "We missed opportunities to close this out, but we'll regroup and be ready for Game 6."

Looking Ahead

The series now shifts back to Madison Square Garden for Game 6 on Friday, where the Knicks will have another opportunity to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. Meanwhile, the Celtics aim to force a decisive Game 7 back in Boston.

"This was just one game," Brown cautioned. "We haven't accomplished anything yet. We've given ourselves a chance, but going into the Garden and winning will be our toughest challenge yet."

For a Celtics team that lost their franchise player to injury and faced elimination, Wednesday's dominant performance provides hope that their season might extend beyond Friday night.

"We're playing for Jayson now," White added. "He can't be out there with us, but we want to keep this going for him and for ourselves. Tonight was just the first step."