Celtics and Knicks Clash in Game 6 After Celtics’ Dominant Game 5 Victory

NEW YORK, New York — The Boston Celtics will face the New York Knicks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Friday night at Madison Square Garden, after a strong performance in Game 5.

In a must-win situation for the Celtics, they dominated the Knicks in Game 5 with a score of 127-102. Key contributions came from Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Luke Kornet. Brown notched a double-double with 26 points and 12 assists, while White added 34 points. Kornet also had a standout game, scoring 10 points and grabbing nine rebounds. This victory brought the series to 3-2 in favor of the Knicks.

The Celtics, despite losing star Jayson Tatum to injury in Game 4, managed to bounce back convincingly. They led by as many as 30 points in the Game 5 blowout, demonstrating their ability to adjust without Tatum.

The Knicks have struggled offensively during the series, scoring below 100 points in three of the five games, including a poor performance in Game 5. New York’s Jalen Brunson, who has been a leader on the court, fouled out late in the game, which contributed to their inability to keep pace.

As for the Celtics, their offense has been fluid, especially in transition. They have significantly improved their scoring efficiency in the last three games, scoring over 1.20 points per possession. In contrast, the Knicks have struggled defensively, allowing the Celtics to take advantage of mismatches.

Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla has indicated that the team might opt for a smaller lineup if Kristaps Porziņģis, who is dealing with an unspecified illness, is unable to perform effectively. In Game 5, Kornet’s role increased significantly, marking a potential strategy moving forward as they prepare for Game 6.

The outcome of Game 6 is crucial for both teams. A win for the Knicks would advance them to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in decades, while a win for the Celtics would force a decisive Game 7.

Game 6 is set for 8:00 p.m. ET on May 16, 2025, in Madison Square Garden. With emotions running high on both sides, fans can expect an exciting contest as the two teams vie for a spot in the next round.