Celtics Keep Alive in Eastern Conference Semifinals with Thrilling 127-102 Win Over Knicks

The Boston Celtics pulled off a dramatic 127-102 win over the New York Knicks in Game 5, keeping their Eastern Conference semifinals hopes alive. Led by Derrick White's 34 points, including seven three-pointers, the Celtics secured their first home victory of the series and first without Jayson Tatum, who suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon injury. The team now seeks to become just the 14th in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 deficit, with a chance to force a Game 7 in Boston on Monday.

Key Takeaways:

• Derrick White led the Celtics with 34 points, including seven three-pointers, to secure their first home victory without Jayson Tatum.
• The Celtics connected on 22 three-pointers, the most in a single game this season, to post their first home win of the series.
• Jaylen Brown added 26 points and 12 assists, while Luke Kornet finished with 10 points, nine rebounds, and seven blocks for the Knicks.
• The Celtics are looking to become just the 14th team in NBA history to come back from a 3-1 deficit, with Game 6 set to take place in New York on Friday.
• Josh Hart led the Knicks with 24 points, despite briefly leaving the game with a bloody gash on his face, while Jalen Brunson added 22 points before fouling out.
• The Celtics' 23-9 run in the third quarter was a key turning point, as they took a 91-76 lead into the fourth quarter and never looked back.

Statistics:

• 22 - The number of three-pointers made by the Celtics, a franchise record for a single game.
• 34 - Derrick White's points, a game-high for the series.
• 26 - Jaylen Brown's points, 12 of which were assists.
• 7 - The number of three-pointers made by Derrick White.
• 9 - The number of rebounds grabbed by Luke Kornet.
• 7 - The number of blocks made by Luke Kornet.
• 28 - The largest lead held by the Celtics in the fourth quarter.
• 294 - The number of attempts by teams in NBA history to come back from a 3-1 deficit.

Sources:

• The Associated Press