NBA Playoffs: Celtics' Dominant Game 5 Win Keeps Season Alive Against Knicks

David

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Post on May 16, 2025

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NBA Playoffs: Celtics' Dominant Game 5 Win Keeps Season Alive Against Knicks

The Boston Celtics roared back from the brink of elimination, delivering a dominant 115-96 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference first-round series. This decisive win, fueled by a stunning team effort, keeps their playoff hopes alive and sets the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the series. The atmosphere at Madison Square Garden was electric, but ultimately, the Celtics' superior performance silenced the home crowd and shifted the momentum decisively back to Boston.

Jayson Tatum Leads the Charge, But It Was a Total Team Effort

While Jayson Tatum led the scoring with 36 points, showcasing the offensive prowess that has defined his career, it was the overall team performance that truly dictated the game's narrative. This wasn't just a Tatum show; it was a collective masterpiece. Jaylen Brown contributed a solid 22 points, displaying his improved consistency and crucial playmaking. The Celtics' supporting cast also shone brightly, with Malcolm Brogdon providing efficient scoring off the bench and Robert Williams III dominating the boards and anchoring the defense. This balanced scoring attack proved too much for the Knicks to handle.

Knicks Struggle to Find Rhythm Against Celtics' Defensive Intensity

The Knicks, who had controlled the series for the previous two games, struggled to find their offensive rhythm against the Celtics’ revitalized defense. Their usually reliable three-point shooting faltered, and they were consistently out-rebounded, giving the Celtics second-chance opportunities and momentum. Julius Randle, who had been a consistent force for the Knicks, had a relatively quiet game, highlighting the effectiveness of the Celtics’ game plan to contain him. The Knicks' inability to adapt to the Celtics' defensive pressure ultimately proved to be their undoing.

A Turning Point in the Series?

This Game 5 victory marks a significant turning point in the series. The Celtics, facing elimination, responded with a level of intensity and execution that had been missing in previous games. They effectively neutralized the Knicks' strengths and exploited their weaknesses, showcasing a depth and resilience that many questioned earlier in the series. Now, the series heads back to Boston for Game 6, with the Celtics poised to level the score and force a decisive Game 7.

What to Expect in Game 6

Game 6 promises to be an electrifying encounter. The Celtics will aim to maintain their momentum, leveraging the confidence gained from their decisive Game 5 victory. The Knicks, facing potential elimination, will need to find a way to reignite their offense and rediscover the defensive intensity that characterized their earlier successes. The pressure is on both teams, making for an unmissable showdown.

Keywords: NBA Playoffs, Celtics, Knicks, Game 5, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Julius Randle, Eastern Conference, Playoffs, Basketball, NBA, Madison Square Garden, Robert Williams III, Malcolm Brogdon, series, win, defeat

Related Articles: (Links to other relevant articles on your website, for example: "Celtics' Playoff History," "Analyzing the Knicks' Strengths and Weaknesses")

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