In an encounter marked by unpredictability, where large leads and epic comebacks have been the constant, the fifth game of the series between the Knicks and the Celtics broke with the usual trend.
The Celtics, without their star Jayson Tatum, who suffered an Achilles tendon injury in the fourth game, dominated the second half at TD Garden, outscoring the Knicks by 25 points and winning the game 127-102 to avoid elimination.
With the Knicks leading 3-2, the series moves to Madison Square Garden for Game 6.
Derrick White, with 34 points, and Jaylen Brown, with 32 points, 12 assists and 8 rebounds, led Boston. Luke Kornet, from the bench, had an outstanding performance with 10 points, 9 rebounds and 7 blocks.For the Knicks, the result was disappointing, recalling their loss in the third game.
No, not at all. Yes, they are missing an important piece. But they are a well-oiled machine that has been in situations where they have played without him, and they have played well. We need to understand that and trust the game plan and play to win. It’s that simple.
Jalen Brunson
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau commented that they didn’t play with the same intensity with the initial lead and that the third quarter was decisive.
The score was tied at 59 before the third quarter, but the Celtics took control. With Kornet on the court, Boston defended well and Jrue Holiday focused on Karl-Anthony Towns, who has struggled with his three-point shots in the series.
Kornet blocked five shots in the third quarter, while the Knicks only scored four shots in that period. The Celtics, on the other hand, found spaces to score, with White hitting three-pointers and adding 13 points in that span. The fluidity in Boston’s game was reflected in seven assists on eight baskets and 12 points from the free throw line.
That third quarter was terrible. From start to finish, it was a terrible quarter.
Josh Hart
The situation became complicated for the Knicks with Brunson committing five personal fouls in the third quarter, which forced Thibodeau to take him out of the game. Brunson returned at the start of the final quarter, but committed his sixth foul with seven minutes remaining, finishing the game with 22 points and six assists.
The Celtics scored almost twice as many three-pointers and had a higher shooting percentage, sealing the Knicks’ defeat and preventing a comeback.
The series moves to New York, where the Knicks haven’t defined a home playoff series since 1999.
Josh Hart addressed questions about the need to win Game Six, stating that every game is important and they are focused on the next one.
