The Boston Celtics faced the New York Knicks in a heated Game 5 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, on May 14, 2025. Despite losing Jayson Tatum to an Achilles tendon injury in Game 4, the Celtics managed to secure a resounding 127-102 victory over the Knicks, avoiding elimination in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. The game saw the Celtics go on a 16-3 run in the third quarter, lasting over four and a half minutes, propelling them to victory.
Derrick White had a standout performance, shooting 56.3% from the field and sinking 7 of 13 three-point attempts, totaling 34 points for the game. Luke Kornet also made a significant impact, with seven blocks that disrupted the Knicks’ offense, along with contributing 10 points and nine rebounds. The Celtics’ strong defense and elite three-point shooting forced a Game 6, showcasing their resilience in the face of adversity.
As the Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla emphasized, facing challenges is part of the game, and it’s all about how the team responds to them. The Celtics demonstrated their determination with a solid performance, shooting 44.9% from behind the arc and showcasing their teamwork and resilience on the court. Heading into Game 6, the Celtics are focused on continuing their momentum and pushing for a Game 7 to keep their championship hopes alive.
Maybe it’s just me, but it feels like the Celtics really stepped up their game in the face of adversity. With Tatum out, it was up to players like White and Kornet to make a difference, and they did just that. The Knicks, on the other hand, struggled to match the Celtics’ intensity and fell short in Game 5. With Game 6 on the horizon, both teams are gearing up for another intense matchup, with the Celtics looking to force a Game 7 and the Knicks aiming to clinch a spot in the Eastern Conference finals. It’s going to be a thrilling conclusion to this playoff series, and anything can happen on the court.
