Celtics Stave Off Elimination with 127-102 Victory Over Knicks

BOSTON — The Boston Celtics faced an unexpected elimination game on Wednesday at TD Garden, missing their star player, Jayson Tatum, who ruptured his right Achilles tendon in Game 4. Despite the setback, the Celtics delivered a commanding performance, defeating the New York Knicks 127-102 to cut the series lead to 3-2.

“The air kind of left the room after hearing the news,” Celtics forward Jaylen Brown said. “We didn’t want to go out like that.” Coach Joe Mazzulla, along with Brown and veteran players, gathered the team to refocus and emphasize defensive strategy after Tatum’s injury.

The Celtics held the Knicks to just 36% shooting, allowing only 26 points in the paint, marking their best defensive game of the series. Brown played a pivotal role by handling the ball more without Tatum and contributed significantly with 26 points, a career-high 12 assists, and 8 rebounds.

“The goal is to just lead and to just be myself,” Brown said. “Whatever is needed in me, I’m excited to facilitate.”

Boston’s defense was bolstered by 7-foot backup center Luke Kornet, who stepped up after Kristaps Porzingis struggled with an upper respiratory illness. Kornet had five blocked shots during a game-changing third quarter, helping the Celtics build a 15-point lead.

“I mean, [Porzingis] couldn’t breathe,” Mazzulla said. After Kornet entered the game, the Knicks struggled offensively, failing to convert any shots in the paint during the critical third quarter. “I was trying to have a lot of energy and make plays,” Kornet said of his performance.

Guard Derrick White shined as well, leading the team with 34 points and hitting 7 of 13 from beyond the arc. The Celtics hit 22 three-pointers, tying a franchise playoff record. The victory was crucial as it kept their hopes alive in this tense playoff series.

Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau lamented the lack of toughness from his team, especially after they lost their lead in the second half. “We had a lead; didn’t play tough with the lead,” Thibodeau said. The Knicks now head back to Madison Square Garden for Game 6 on Friday, looking to close out the series.