The Boston Celtics bounced back from their Game 4 loss on Monday and secured a blowout win over the New York Knicks.
A different rotation took place after the news that Jayson Tatum had ruptured his Achilles tendon in the final minutes of Game 4.
Tatum will miss the rest of the season and a large part of next season as well.
As a result, head coach Joe Mazzulla adjusted the Celtics' game plan, and it paid off in the 127-102 win.
New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) and Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7)
New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) and Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7)
© Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Some different names were given a bigger opportunity in the win.
Players like Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, and, most notably, center Luke Kornet.
Kornet was averaging just 13.3 minutes per game in the series before Jayson Tatum's injury, and Coach Mazzulla decided it was time for him to get a heavier workload.
In 26 minutes on Wednesday night, Kornet finished with 10 points, nine rebounds, and seven blocks while shooting a perfect 5-for-5.
Feb 4, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet (40) during a break in game play against the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half at TD Garden.
Feb 4, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet (40) during a break in game play against the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half at TD Garden.
© Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Mazzulla speaks on Luke Kornet's impressive Game 5
After the blowout win, players and coaches took postgame interviews from the press, and Joe Mazzulla had a lot of positive things to say about the Celtics' center.
"Yeah, he was great. Both ends of the floor. Did a great job protecting the rim. Did a great job defending without fouling. Did a great job on both ends of the floor. So just thought his presence was good, especially in the rebounding," the Celtics' coach said after the game.
There were other players that played a huge role in the win – Derrick White finished with 34 points and three blocks and Jaylen Brown contributed another 26 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds.
The two teams will head back to New York for Game 6 as the Celtics will try to fight to keep their season alive.