Celtics Crush Knicks Without Tatum Force Game 6
The Celtics crush Knicks without Tatum, force Game 6 with a commanding 127-102 win in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Despite missing Jayson Tatum, Boston showed it could still dominate. Derrick White led the charge, scoring 34 points with seven 3-pointers, helping the Celtics keep their playoff hopes alive as the series shifts to New York for a decisive Game 6.
Derrick White Takes the Lead as Celtics Beat Knicks
As Jayson Tatum is out for the season with an Achilles tendon tear, someone had to step up for the Celtics, and Derrick White took the task. His performance was nothing short of electric, especially from beyond the arc. White’s seven 3s helped Boston tie a team playoff mark with 22 3s in a game.
White’s game not only lit up the scoreboard — it energized the TD Garden crowd. The Celtics looked hungry from the start, jumping out to a quick lead and never letting up.
Jaylen Brown’s All-Around Impact
Jaylen Brown was another key contributor, with 26 points and 12 assists. He made playoff history by being the first Celtics player in the last 30 playoff years to have 25 points and assist on 30 more. Brown’s ball distribution and leadership were the reasons for opportunities for scoring all game long.
Luke Kornet’s Breakout Game
In what may be his best performance to date, Luke Kornet nearly posted a triple-double with 10 points, 9 rebounds, and a career-high 7 blocks. With Kristaps Porzingis limited to just 12 minutes of play, Kornet seized the opportunity and controlled the paint defensively, altering shots and closing down second-chance opportunities for the Knicks.
Knicks Struggle to Keep Up as Celtics Beat Knicks Again
For all their travail, the Knicks could not match Boston’s pace or defensive sense of urgency. Josh Hart led New York with 24 points, though he left the floor briefly in the first quarter to get treated on a cut above his eye from an elbow accidentally swung his way.
Jalen Brunson scored 22 points, but his foul problems were costly. He picked up his fifth foul on a late third-quarter mismatch and fouled out early in the fourth quarter, taking the Knicks’ floor general out of the game at a critical juncture.
Game Momentum Shifts in the Third Quarter
The first half was a closely played game with both teams playing give-and-take, and the score was tied 59-59 at intermission. But the third quarter was different. A 23-9 scoring spurt to end the quarter put the Celtics up 15, and they never looked back.
That spilled over into the fourth, as Boston pushed the lead to up to 28 points. The Celtics’ defense clamped down tight, and the offense remained efficient and deadly from beyond.
Physical Play Defines the Matchup
The game wasn’t just about points — it was physical from start to finish. At one point, Jaylen Brown and Josh Hart had a brief face-to-face altercation, showcasing the intensity and urgency on both sides. That energy helped fuel Boston’s aggressive style of play, both on defense and in transition.
Even without Tatum, the Celtics kept their identity intact: tough, gritty, and unrelenting.
Celtics Keep Hopes Alive With Big Win
The Celtics now stand just two wins away from advancing, looking to become only the 14th team in NBA history to come back from a 3-1 series deficit in 294 attempts. Game 6 will be played in New York on Friday. If Boston manages to win again, the decisive Game 7 will return to TD Garden on Monday.
Their win in Game 5 shows they have the depth, resilience, and talent to keep their playoff hopes alive. And if they keep playing like this, history might just be within reach.
What’s Next for the Knicks?
For New York, Game 6 is do or die. While they’ve played moments of greatness all series long, they will have to bounce back rapidly and make a few adjustments that must be made. Managing their fouls, playing smart with Brunson’s minutes, and keeping Boston at bay on the perimeter shooting will be key if they don’t want to have to play a Game 7 on the road.
Key Takeaways from Game 5: Celtics Beat Knicks
- Derrick White carried the Celtics with 34 points and 7 threes.
- Jaylen Brown added 26 points and 12 assists.
- Celtics hit 22 3-pointers, tying a playoff franchise record.
- KThe nicks struggled in the second half as the Celtics pulled away.
- Boston’s defense stepped up big in the absence of Jayson Tatum.
- Celtics forced Game 6, shifting pressure back to New York.
Final Thoughts
Game 5 proved that the Celtics are capable of beating the Knicks in absence of their superstar. With some street smarts, veteran guidance, and dynamic scoring, Boston reminded the world why they are still a title contender. The stage is now set for a melodramatic Game 6 at Madison Square Garden.
Will the Celtics pull off the comeback, or will the Knicks close out their playoff hopes? All eyes turn to Friday night.