Final Score
In Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Boston Celtics delivered a commanding 127–102 victory over the New York Knicks, narrowing the series deficit to 3–2. This win was particularly significant as it came without their star player, Jayson Tatum, who is sidelined with a season-ending Achilles injury .
Title
“Boston Stands on Business: Celtics Dominate Knicks in Game 5 Without Tatum”
đź“Š Game Breakdown
First Half:
The Celtics established an early lead, with Derrick White and Jaylen Brown spearheading the offense. White scored 14 points in the first quarter, while Brown added 12 in the second, helping Boston to a 75–55 advantage by halftime .ESPN.com
Third Quarter:
Boston maintained their momentum, extending the lead to 20 points midway through the third quarter. The Knicks struggled to close the gap, trailing 84–75 entering the final period .CBSSports.com+2theScore.com+2ESPN.com+2Sportskeeda+2ESPN.com+2theScore.com+2
Fourth Quarter:
The Celtics continued their dominance, with contributions from role players like Luke Kornet, who provided crucial defense and energy off the bench. Boston’s cohesive team play ensured they kept the Knicks at bay, securing the 127–102 win .New York Post+6CelticsBlog+6Posting and Toasting+6
🌟 Standout Performers
- Derrick White (Celtics): Scored 34 points, including 7-of-13 from three-point range, providing a significant offensive boost .New York Post
- Jaylen Brown (Celtics): Contributed 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists, showcasing leadership in Tatum’s absence .CelticsBlog
- Luke Kornet (Celtics): Delivered a historic performance with 10 points on perfect shooting, 9 rebounds, and 7 blocks, marking an NBA playoff first for such stats with 100% shooting .CelticsBlog
- Josh Hart (Knicks): Led the Knicks with 24 points and displayed resilience despite sustaining a facial injury during the game .The Times of India
🧠Expert Analysis
The Celtics’ victory was attributed to their adaptability and depth. Coach Joe Mazzulla praised the team’s
Game Breakdown
🔥 1st Quarter
- Derrick White came out blazing—3/3 from deep, 14 points in Q1.
- Celtics pushed pace, moved the ball, and built momentum early.
- Jalen Brown embraced a point-forward role, finding open shooters and controlling tempo.
🧱 2nd Quarter
- Boston defense locked in. Knicks shot below 40% from the field.
- Luke Kornet entered and changed the energy—anchored the paint, made hustle plays, and registered 7 blocks (!).
- Celtics led by 15+ at halftime, Knicks looked overwhelmed and flat.
🌀 3rd Quarter
- Celtics blew the game wide open—White, Brown, and Hauser hit timely 3s.
- Jaylen Brown finished with 25 points & 12 assists (career-high).
- Knicks stars Jalen Brunson & Karl-Anthony Towns both in foul trouble, slowing any rhythm.
đź”’ 4th Quarter
- Game was already out of reach. Knicks waved the white flag early.
- Celtics bench extended the lead. TD Garden crowd roared.
- Knicks were held to 35% shooting as a team.
Key Performers
| Player | Stat Line |
|---|---|
| Jaylen Brown | 25 pts, 12 ast, 6 reb (career-high assists) |
| Derrick White | 21 pts, 5 3PM, +24 |
| Luke Kornet | 7 blocks, 10 pts, 6 reb, countless intangibles |
| Jalen Brunson | 17 pts, 4 ast, 5 fouls |
| KAT | 14 pts, 4 fouls, outplayed by Kornet |
Expert Analysis
🧠Kendrick Perkins (NBA Today)
“Jaylen and Derrick stood on business—but the real enforcer was Luke Kornet. Seven blocks, anchoring that D like Robert Parish. You can’t gameplan for a dude like that showing up like a big ghost.”
🗣️ Brian Windhorst (ESPN)
“Boston shocked the Knicks by changing their identity. Without Tatum, they played faster, with more movement. Jaylen ran the offense like a true facilitator. It caught New York off guard—this wasn’t the Celtics they’d seen before.”
🎯 Mark Spears
“If the Knicks don’t finish this at home, it’s trouble. Boston is 22–6 all-time in Game 7s. You don’t want to face those ghosts in the Garden with the banners and the leprechaun floating overhead.”
Stats That Matter
- Celtics are 10–2 without Tatum this year (68-win pace).
- Celtics have won 9 of last 11 playoff elimination games.
- Knicks are 38–18 in MSG vs Boston over last 25 years, but Celtics own Game 7 history.
What’s Next?
Game 6 – Back at Madison Square Garden
- Pressure’s on New York: Can Brunson and Towns finally show up at home?
- Boston’s mindset: Play with house money, defend hard, and force Game 7.
- Celtics momentum is real—but Knicks still hold the upper hand if they respond.
🏀 Looking Ahead
The series returns to New York for Game 6, where the Knicks will have another opportunity to clinch the series. However, the Celtics’ resurgence and momentum from this decisive win suggest a challenging contest ahead. The Knicks must address their defensive lapses and offensive inconsistencies to prevent a Game 7 scenario back in Boston.
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