The Boston Celtics defied adversity to keep their playoff hopes alive with a commanding 127-102 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals on Wednesday night, MySportDab Reports.
Playing without star forward Jayson Tatum, who suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in Game 4, Boston showed remarkable resilience at TD Garden.
Derrick White and Jaylen Brown led the charge, combining for 60 points. White poured in 34 points, while Brown delivered a complete performance with 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 12 assists. Their efforts helped level the series to 3-2, forcing a crucial Game 6 at Madison Square Garden on Friday.
Role players also stepped up in Tatum’s absence. Luke Kornet contributed a standout defensive effort with seven blocks and a steal, along with 10 points. Six Celtics scored in double figures, reflecting a balanced offensive display.
After a tightly contested first half that ended 59-59, the Celtics broke the game open in the third quarter, outscoring New York 32-17 behind White’s 13-point burst.
Boston extended their lead to 23 points midway through the fourth, sealing a much-needed win. Knicks star Jalen Brunson fouled out with over seven minutes remaining, finishing with 22 points. Josh Hart led the Knicks with 24, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 19.
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau lamented his team’s failure to capitalize on their early nine-point lead, calling the third-quarter lapse “costly.”
Out West, the Minnesota Timberwolves punched their ticket to the Western Conference Finals for the second straight season with a 121-110 Game 5 win over the Golden State Warriors. Julius Randle starred with 29 points on 13-of-18 shooting, while Anthony Edwards added 22 points and 12 assists.
Golden State, missing Stephen Curry due to a lingering hamstring injury, relied on Brandin Podziemski’s playoff career-high 28 points and Jonathan Kuminga’s 26 off the bench.
However, Minnesota’s efficient inside scoring—77% on two-point shots—and relentless pace proved too much.
The Wolves await the winner of the Denver-Oklahoma City series, with a potential five-day rest if Denver forces a Game 7 on Thursday.
