Boston Celtics Force Game 6 After Dominating Knicks 127-102 Without Jayson Tatum

The Boston Celtics aren’t done yet.

With their backs against the wall and their biggest star sidelined, the Celtics delivered a powerful message at TD Garden on Wednesday night. Boston stayed alive in the second-round playoff series with a commanding 127-102 win over the New York Knicks, cutting the series deficit to 3-2. The fight now heads back to Madison Square Garden for a crucial Game 6 on Friday.

Jayson Tatum Out, Derrick White Steps In

When Jayson Tatum went down in Game 4 with a torn right Achilles tendon, many believed the Celtics’ playoff hopes would crumble. But on Wednesday, Derrick White made sure that didn’t happen.

White lit up the floor with 34 points, going 7-of-13 from three-point range. His hot hand gave Boston the spark it needed. Jaylen Brown wasn’t far behind, putting up 26 points while dishing out 12 assists and grabbing eight rebounds. Payton Pritchard came off the bench and delivered 17 more, while Jrue Holiday chipped in 14 points and seven rebounds.

Celtics Capitalize as Brunson Fouls Out Early

The Knicks had their own trouble to deal with. Star guard Jalen Brunson finished with 22 points but fouled out with more than seven minutes left in the game. He picked up his fifth foul late in the third quarter and sat until the start of the fourth. Coach Tom Thibodeau rolled the dice by bringing him back early, but it didn’t pay off. Brunson’s final foul left the Knicks scrambling.

With Brunson gone, Josh Hart stepped up and led New York with 24 points and seven rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns added 19 points and eight boards, but it wasn’t enough to keep up with Boston’s pace.

Luke Kornet Turns Game With Defensive Masterclass

One of the night’s biggest surprises came from Luke Kornet. The Celtics’ backup center had a block party, swatting seven shots while scoring 10 points on a perfect 5-of-5 from the floor. He also pulled down nine rebounds and energized the Celtics on both ends of the court.

Kornet’s rim protection stifled New York’s frontcourt. OG Anunoby managed only six points. Mikal Bridges had nine, and Mitchell Robinson was limited to eight, though he did collect 13 rebounds. With the paint sealed off, New York’s offensive rhythm broke down completely.

Third Quarter Run Breaks Game Open

The turning point came midway through the third. The Celtics launched an 11-0 run that blew the game wide open. Derrick White scored six of those points, including a triple and three free throws. Payton Pritchard added another deep three to pile on the damage. Boston’s shooting from long range was deadly all night, going 22-of-49 from beyond the arc for 44.9%.

By the time Brunson fouled out, the Celtics had ballooned their lead to 120-97. Coach Joe Mazzulla emptied his bench with just under three minutes left. Neemias Queta added four points, and JD Davison nailed a three-pointer to wrap up the win.

First Quarter Gets Physical Fast

If Game 5 had a tone, it was set early — and it was tough.

With three minutes left in the first quarter, Josh Hart took a nasty elbow from Kornet that opened up a cut above his left eye. Blood streamed down his face, but after a quick patch-up and a jersey change, Hart stayed in and made both of his free throws.

But that same possession had another moment of drama. Before Kornet’s elbow, Jalen Brunson tried to drive past Jaylen Brown and caught him in the stomach with his own elbow. Brown fell to the floor in pain and argued for a foul, but officials ruled it a basketball move after review.

Brunson later got a taste of his own medicine early in the third quarter, taking an elbow to the jaw from Derrick White. No foul was given, and after a Celtics challenge, Brunson was hit with a defensive foul instead.

The entire series has been intense and physical, and Wednesday’s game was no different. Bodies hit the floor. Elbows flew. But Boston walked away standing tall.

All Eyes on Game 6 at Madison Square Garden

Friday night will be huge. The Knicks still lead the series 3-2, but momentum may be shifting. With Game 6 on their home court, New York will try to close it out. But the Celtics, even without Jayson Tatum, have proven they’re not ready to go home just yet.

If Boston’s bench can step up again and the defense holds, Game 7 might just become a reality.

Can the Celtics Pull Off a Comeback Without Tatum?

This series looked nearly over after Game 4, but now it’s alive again. The Celtics showed heart, hustle, and smart team basketball. They leaned on each other and never backed down.

Game 6 could be the most important game of their season.

Let’s see if Boston can keep the dream alive.

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