Game 5 Recap: Celtics Stay Alive
The Boston Celtics kept their championship hopes alive with a dominant 127-102 win over the New York Knicks in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Despite missing Jayson Tatum due to a torn Achilles, the Celtics showed grit, depth, and elite perimeter shooting.
Derrick White lit up the court with 34 points and 7 made threes, while Jaylen Brown posted 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists. The Celtics’ defense, led by reserve center Luke Kornet, held the Knicks to just 40% shooting from the field.
Kornet’s 7 blocks and perfect shooting (5-for-5) anchored a Celtics defense that seemed re-energized. The team tied a franchise playoff record with 22 three-pointers, spreading the floor and forcing the Knicks into mismatches. For New York, Jalen Brunson’s 23 points couldn’t keep pace with Boston’s offensive firestorm.
Key Players to Watch in Game 6
Derrick White
Derrick White has emerged as the Celtics’ X-factor. He’s averaged 18.6 PPG in the series but exploded for 34 in Game 5. His two-way ability makes him one of the most underrated guards in the league. Watch for how Tom Thibodeau adjusts the Knicks’ defense to contain his perimeter scoring.
Luke Kornet
Often overlooked, Luke Kornet’s Game 5 performance was a reminder of his defensive upside. His 7 blocks came at key moments, stopping Knicks runs and swinging momentum. Expect him to get more minutes in Game 6 if he continues protecting the rim and finishing in the paint.
Jalen Brunson
Brunson has been the Knicks' heart and soul throughout the playoffs, averaging 31.7 points over the last six games. However, Boston’s tighter defensive coverage in Game 5 limited his efficiency. If Brunson returns to form in Game 6, the Knicks will be tough to beat at home.
Historical Rivalry: Celtics vs Knicks
The Celtics-Knicks rivalry dates back to the early days of the NBA. As two of the league's original franchises, Boston and New York have clashed in numerous playoff series. Though Boston has historically held the upper hand, including recent postseason victories in 2011 and 2013, the current series feels more balanced than ever. With both teams loaded with talent and coached by seasoned tacticians, every possession counts.
Madison Square Garden has hosted some iconic Celtics-Knicks battles. With Game 6 set to tip off in the Garden, expect a charged atmosphere reminiscent of classic Eastern Conference matchups. The Knicks’ fans will look to push their team into the Conference Finals, while Celtics faithful hope for one more miracle.
Game 6 Strategic Breakdown
Celtics Adjustments
- Defensive Coverage on Brunson: Expect more blitzing and help defense to keep him from getting downhill.
- Stretch the Floor: The Celtics will continue launching threes—spacing from White, Brown, and Payton Pritchard opens the lane for drives and cuts.
- Luke Kornet's Minutes: His defensive presence will be critical again to keep Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein off the boards.
Knicks Adjustments
- OG Anunoby’s Defense: If healthy, he may be tasked with slowing down Brown or White. His length and switchability are vital.
- Secondary Scorers: Miles McBride, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo must step up if Brunson faces double teams.
- Limit Turnovers: The Knicks had 15 in Game 5, leading to 24 Boston points. They must protect the ball under pressure.
Game 6 Preview: What to Expect
Game 6 of the Celtics vs Knicks series promises to be an all-out war. The Celtics will rely on their bench depth, perimeter defense, and momentum from Game 5 to extend the series. The Knicks, meanwhile, must re-establish control early and feed off the MSG energy. Coach Thibodeau hinted at possible lineup changes, which could include more minutes for Quentin Grimes or a return for OG Anunoby if cleared.
Here’s what to watch in Game 6:
- Start Time: May 16, 2025, 7:00 PM ET
- Channel: ESPN (check official NBA schedule)
- Location: Madison Square Garden, New York City
- Series Status: Knicks lead 3-2
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Conclusion: Will the Celtics Force a Game 7?
The Celtics have a real chance to even the series and send it back to Boston for a decisive Game 7. With Jayson Tatum likely out, the team will continue to rely on team defense, clutch shooting, and unsung heroes like Kornet. Derrick White and Jaylen Brown must lead from the front, and Boston needs to control the pace early.
The Knicks, on the other hand, have shown resilience all season. Jalen Brunson is a proven playoff performer, and with a raucous MSG crowd behind them, they’ll be tough to beat. The stakes couldn’t be higher as both teams vie for a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Who do you think takes Game 6—Celtics or Knicks? Drop your predictions in the comments and don’t forget to subscribe to UnitedSnap for more NBA Playoffs coverage, player stats, and game-by-game analysis!
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