The Celtics are down, but not out, in their Eastern Conference semifinals series with the Knicks.
Wednesday, Boston faced a 3-1 series deficit and was reeling after superstar Jayson Tatum’s season-ending Achilles injury suffered in Game 4. With their backs against the wall, the Celtics earned a 127-102 win thanks in large part to three contributors stepping up in Tatum’s absence.
A big night was almost expected from reigning Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, but he led a charge that also saw Derrick White turn in a major performance while Luke Kornet played the role of unsung hero, captivating the TD Garden crowd with countless momentum plays in the third quarter.
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Here’s a closer look at each of the standout performers who helped send the series back to New York for Game 6.
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Derrick White Game 5 stats vs. Knicks
White was the tone setter in Game 5, canning four triples en route to 14 first-quarter points.
He entered the halftime break with 19 points on 60.0 percent shooting and in the second half, added 15 more points to his tally. In true White fashion, he got it done on both ends of the floor with his three blocks, including a blocked 3-point attempt by Knicks 7-foot center Karl-Anthony Towns.
- 34 points
- 9-16 (56.3%) FGs
- 7-13 (53.8%) 3FGs
- 9-11 (81.8%) FTs
- 3 rebounds
- 2 assists
- 3 blocks
- 2 turnovers
Luke Kornet Game 5 stats vs. Knicks
If White was the tone setter, Kornet was the momentum shifter. His third-quarter showing will be that of TD Garden legend.
After entering the halftime break with four points, three rebounds and a block, Kornet electrified the home crowd with four points, five rebounds and five blocks in the third quarter alone.
LUKE SEQUENCE pic.twitter.com/gKnzp189k3
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 15, 2025
Each time the Knicks thought they had a look, Kornet was there, and he stepped up in a major way in place of Kristaps Porzingis, whose health kept him sidelined for the entirety of the second half.
- 10 points
- 5-5 (100.0%) FGs
- 9 rebounds
- 7 blocks
- 1 steal
Jaylen Brown Game 5 stats vs. Knicks
Brown showed exactly why he was named MVP of the 2024 NBA Finals, stepping up in a major way when his team needed him most.
In Tatum’s absence, Brown stepped into a role that called for more rebounding and playmaking — he finished the game with eight boards and a career-best 12 assists to go along with an efficient 26 points on 52.9 percent shooting from the field.
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 REBNYK leads 3-2 | G6: Friday, 8pm/et, ESPN pic.twitter.com/MSHu1gYiCh
— NBA (@NBA) May 15, 2025
Expected or not, Brown’s performance should not be overlooked as he was able to galvanize his team and be a leading force in the face of adversity.
- 26 points
- 9-17 (52.9%) FGs
- 3-5 (60.0%) 3FGs
- 5-8 (62.5%) FTs
- 8 rebounds
- 12 assists
- 1 steal
- 2 turnovers
