The Boston Celtics dominated the New York Knicks 127-102 in Game 5 of their second-round series to avoid elimination and force a Game 6. Despite missing Jayson Tatum due to the torn Achilles tendon he suffered in Game 4, Derrick White and the Celtics looked unstoppable in the second half of Wednesday’s battle.
Both offenses started hot and were exchanging scoring runs throughout the first quarter. The Celtics employed their usual strategy of fouling Mitchell Robinson intentionally, forcing him to shoot free throws with a career playoff FT% of 34%.
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Only this time he made them, going a perfect 6-for-6 from the line.
The matchup was tied at 59 at halftime, but the second half belonged to Boston. The Celtics revved up the intensity and went on an 11-0 scoring run to separate themselves in the third quarter. As the third quarter ended and the final frame began, the Knicks’ offense completely stalled, allowing Boston to secure the win.
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Celtics big man Luke Kornet was a monster on the defensive end, racking up a career-high seven blocks to go along with 10 points and five rebounds. Derrick White picked up the scoring load with 34 points while Jaylen Brown had a career-high 12 assists to go along with 26 points and eight boards.
For New York, Josh Hart had 24 points and seven rebounds alongside Jalen Brunson, who had 22 points and six assists but fouled out with over seven minutes left to play.
The win signals that the Celtics aren’t conceding the series, despite losing their leading scorer for the remainder of the postseason and likely all of next season.
The Knicks will look to reach the Eastern Conference Finals with a Game 6 win on Friday, while the Celtics will look to force a Game 7.
James Parker is an NBA writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
