Image Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

NBA Playoffs Celtics vs. Knicks Game 5: Defending Champions Force Game 6 With Crucial Home Victory

Celtics posted their first home victory of the series without Jayson Tatum.

Image Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

The Boston Celtics made a first step in pursuit of overcoming 1-3 deficit as they secured a 127-102 Game 5 win over the New York Knicks on Wednesday night. The defending champions are alive in the Eastern Conference semifinals and they have a chance to tie the series on Friday at MSG.

Playing without their biggest star, the Celtics forced one more game to add a drama in the series. Derrick White led Boston with 34 points, including seven 3-pointers. This victory came after Jayson Tatum’s season-ending Achilles tendon injury. Jaylen Brown finished with 26 points and 12 assists. Payton Pritchard added 17 points and five 3-pointers. Luke Kornet dropped 10 points, nine rebounds and seven blocks.

THIS ONE’S FOR JT ☘️#DifferentHere pic.twitter.com/Kftizy3zNT
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 15, 2025

Also Read: “Why me? ” – Jayson Tatum Had Heartbreaking Conversation with His Father after Season-Ending Achilles Injury

Tatum-Less Boston Survives Elimination Through Third Quarter Surge

Boston Celtics were on the verge of elimination before heading to Game 4 but they improved their game-plan at TD Garden. Both teams were tied at 59 points at halftime. Celtics went on a 14-6 run to outscore the Knicks 32-17 in the third quarter. Boston held a 91-76 lead heading to the final period. White scored 32 out of his 34 points in three quarters. During the third quarter, Mazzulla’s side assisted on 87.5% of their baskets and outclassed the Knicks.

New York had previously overcame a 20-point deficit but Boston didn’t allow them to replicate it again. The defending champions continued their dominant display and stretched their lead to 28 points. Eventually, the Knicks accepted the defeat to give a one more shot to clinch the series at MSG.

CELTICS SHOW OUT AT HOME TO FORCE A GAME 6 🙌☘️ pic.twitter.com/N7r6JmhJtk
— NBA (@NBA) May 15, 2025

The Celtics, who made shocking records in their previous two home games with poor 3-point shooting, connected on 22 3-pointers. Boston was on their best 3-point shooting this series as they went 22-for-49. They were shooting 52.4% from the floor compared to the Knicks’ 35.8%. However, they struggled on free throws and connected only 17 FTs out of 26. Celtics blocked 12 blocks and outscored New York 36-26 in the paint.

Kristaps Porzingis played for just 12 minutes and left the game with a lingering viral illness. Josh Hart led New York with 24 points and Jalen Brunson scored 22 before fouling out in the fourth quarter. Josh Hart and Jaylen Brown also had a heated face-to-face skirmish. Both will go head to head in Game 6 at Madison Square Garden on Friday.

Also Read: How Many Times Have Teams Come Back From 1–3 Deficit in NBA Playoffs?

Image Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Celtics vs. Knicks

Derrick White

Jayson Tatum

New York Knicks

Gulshan Sharma

nba

soccer

wnba

A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.