Celtics Stay Alive Behind White’s Fire and Kornet’s Block Party in Game 5 Rout
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Facing elimination for the first time in nearly two years, the Celtics responded like champions, erupting in the second half to dominate the Knicks 127-102 and force a Game 6 at Madison Square Garden.
Derrick White ignited Boston early, draining four threes in the opening minutes en route to a game-high 34 points and seven triples — just one shy of Ray Allen’s franchise playoff record. Jaylen Brown orchestrated the offense with a playoff career-high 12 assists and added 26 points, as the Celtics cut New York’s series lead to 3-2.
But it was Luke Kornet who emerged as the surprise X-factor. After barely playing in Game 4, the backup big man exploded for seven blocks — setting a Celtics record for a player in an elimination game — while tallying 10 points and nine rebounds. Five of his blocks came in the pivotal third quarter, fueling a 32-17 run that broke the game open.
CELTICS FIGHT BACK AT HOME TO KEEP THE SEASON ALIVE 😤☘️
Derrick White: 34 PTS, 7 3PM, 3 BLK
Jaylen Brown: 26 PTS, 12 AST, 8 REB
NYK leads 3-2 | G6: Friday, 8pm/et, ESPN pic.twitter.com/MSHu1gYiCh
— NBA (@NBA) May 15, 2025
“Luke was huge tonight,” Brown said. “Defensively and offensively, he was stellar.”
Boston shot 22-of-47 from deep and had six players in double figures, including Payton Pritchard (17), Jrue Holiday (14), and Al Horford (12). The Celtics outscored the Knicks 68-43 in the second half and never looked back.
Josh Hart (24 points) and Jalen Brunson (22) led New York, but Brunson fouled out with over seven minutes to go as the Knicks’ offense unraveled.
Game 6 tips off Friday at 8 PM ET on ESPN, with the Celtics looking to even the series and push it to a decisive Game 7 back in Boston.