In a thrilling NBA playoffs 2025 showdown, the Boston Celtics staved off elimination with a commanding 127-102 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series. The win, led by Derrick White’s standout 34-point performance and Luke Kornet’s defensive dominance with seven blocks off the bench, cuts the Knicks’ series lead to 3-2 and sets up a decisive Game 6 in New York.

Derrick White Steps Up Amid Celtics’ Injury Woes

With star forward Jayson Tatum sidelined for the rest of the postseason due to a torn Achilles tendon sustained in Game 4, Derrick White took center stage. White nailed 7-of-13 three-pointers, finishing as the game’s top scorer with 34 points, filling the offensive void left by Tatum’s absence. Jaylen Brown supported with a near triple-double effort of 26 points, 12 assists, and 8 rebounds, while Payton Pritchard (17 points) and Jrue Holiday (14 points, 7 rebounds) contributed key bench scoring.

Luke Kornet’s Defensive Impact Shines Bright

Reserve center Luke Kornet was a defensive revelation for the Celtics, blocking an impressive seven shots and going a perfect 5-for-5 from the field, tallying 10 points and nine rebounds. Kornet’s rim protection disrupted the Knicks’ frontcourt, limiting their key players OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Mitchell Robinson to single-digit scoring. This defensive pressure heavily burdened Knicks’ guard Jalen Brunson, who fouled out with over seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.

Knicks Fight Back but Fall Short

Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 22 points but was sidelined by fouls late in the game. Josh Hart stepped up, adding 24 points and seven rebounds, and Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 19 points and eight boards. However, the Knicks couldn’t contain the Celtics’ hot shooting, as Boston drained four 3-pointers in the third quarter alone and shot 44.9% from beyond the arc overall.

Game Highlights & Key Moments

• Boston’s momentum surged with an 11-0 run midway through the third quarter, powered by White’s sharpshooting and Pritchard’s timely 3-pointers.

• The intensity escalated early with physical play, including a hard foul on Hart by Kornet that drew blood but didn’t deter the Celtics’ energy.

• Head coach Joe Mazzulla rested starters late in the fourth, allowing bench players Neemias Queta and JD Davison to close out the win.

Looking Ahead: Game 6 Preview

The series now shifts to Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks will host Game 6 on Friday night. New York holds a 3-2 lead but faces a determined Celtics team fighting for survival. Key questions loom: Can Boston maintain their offensive firepower without Tatum? Will Kornet’s defensive heroics continue to stifle the Knicks’ frontcourt? And can the Knicks adjust to the Celtics’ aggressive perimeter shooting?