The Boston Celtics stay alive another day in the 2025 NBA Playoffs as they defeat the New York Knicks 127-102 at home to force a Game 6 on the road. The defending NBA Champions lost the first two games of the series at TD Garden, but after picking up one out of two games in the Big Apple, they secured their first home win of the series in Game 5.
White and Brown step up
Despite being without star Jayson Tatum—who was announced to miss the rest of the season due to Achilles surgery after an injury in the final minutes of Game 4—Boston fought hard and with pride in front of their home fans to reduce the series deficit to 2-3. In Tatum’s absence, it was Derrick White and 2024 Finals MVP Jaylen Brown who stepped up for Joe Mazzulla’s team. Both White and Brown combined for 50 points in Boston’s win and will have to do it again on Friday if they want to return to TD Garden on Sunday for a decisive Game 7.
The Celtics had six players in double digits, including Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, Payton Pritchard, and Luke Kornet, alongside the efforts of White and Brown.
Knicks end
The Knicks are looking to close the series at home and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000. Last year, New York fell at this same stage against the Indiana Pacers in a Game 7 at home and could get their revenge on Indiana if they manage to eliminate the defending NBA Champions.
Tom Thibodeau’s seven-man rotation struggled, and although Jalen Brunson (22), Josh Hart (24), and Karl-Anthony Towns (19) led the way in scoring, it was in a losing effort. Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby—two players who have been key for the Knicks all season—combined for only 15 points, while Miles McBride and Mitchell Robinson added 11 and 8 points each off the bench.
Brunson would end up fouling out in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.
Game 6 at Madison Square Garden is set to be the biggest game in Knicks history in over 20 years, and the electricity at the World’s Most Famous Arena will be at an all-time high. Impossible to miss.