Jaylen Brown and the Celtics aren’t ready to bow out of the postseason just yet, claiming a decisive 127-102 victory in front of an emotional crowd at TD Garden on Wednesday. Here are the key takeaways from this crucial game.
In order for the Celtics to stay alive in the playoffs, they needed a near-perfect performance from Jaylen Brown, and he delivered. While "near-perfect" doesn't always equate to a high scoring night, Brown certainly excelled in that department, scoring 26 points on 9-for-17 shooting, which included three electrifying 3-pointers. With Jayson Tatum sidelined, Brown’s scoring ability was crucial, but it was his overall game that truly propelled the Celtics forward and kept their season alive.
Brown exhibited remarkable patience on the offensive end. When driving to the basket, he opted to kick the ball out rather than forcing a shot against a collapsing defense. His playmaking ability was evident, as he finished with 12 assists and came just two rebounds shy of a triple-double. However, his most significant contributions came on the defensive side, where he took on the challenging task of guarding Jalen Brunson. Brown effectively limited Brunson’s impact, forcing him into a challenging game with only 22 points on 7-for-17 shooting.
“I thought his dive into the bench kind of changed the game for us,” said Joe Mazzulla, the Celtics coach. “He took it upon himself to guard Brunson, set the tone, and he did that on both ends.” When Brown is engaged defensively against a superstar opponent, he becomes one of the league’s top 1-on-1 defenders—quick, agile, and strong, with a laser focus that can sometimes make fans wish he displayed that intensity off the ball as well.
“Just be who I am, and I think that’s it,” Brown commented. “I’ve always preached team. I’ve done whatever to push this team forward. Whatever is needed from me, I’m excited to facilitate in whatever role.”
The Celtics had struggled to maintain their early leads against the Knicks throughout the series. However, on Wednesday, they employed a strategy that proved effective: getting Jalen Brunson into foul trouble. Brunson committed five fouls in the third quarter alone, including a couple of unnecessary ones, and ultimately fouled out with over seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. The Celtics consistently attacked him on both ends, a tactic that has worked well against both Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns during the series.
As the Celtics and Knicks headed into the second half tied at 59, it seemed like yet another tight finish was on the horizon. But then, Luke Kornet stepped up and turned the tide. Starting the third quarter, Kornet made a significant impact, recording five of his seven blocks during that period. His defensive presence clogged the paint, allowing the Celtics to transition into fast breaks. Kornet pulled down five rebounds and finished the game just shy of a triple-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and seven blocked shots.
“He was unbelievable,” said Derrick White. “He came in and just seemed to always be in the right position.” Kornet’s performance was unexpected but pivotal for the Celtics, and he may play a significant role in future games.
In stark contrast, Kristaps Porzingis struggled to make an impact during the game, logging just 12 minutes and finishing with a minus-12 rating. After the game, Mazzulla revealed concerning news about Porzingis’ health, noting, “He couldn’t breathe.” Despite wanting to contribute, Porzingis was limited, highlighting the Celtics' need for a healthy roster as they advance in the postseason.
With Tatum sidelined, Derrick White took on a larger role and shone brightly, scoring a game-high 34 points on just 16 shots, including an impressive 7-for-13 from beyond the arc. “Our backs are against the wall,” White said. “It’s win or go home at this moment, so none of us want to go home.” His ability to draw fouls and shoot free throws effectively will be critical as the Celtics navigate the challenges ahead.
The Celtics demonstrated their championship-caliber talent on Wednesday, showcasing their playoff experience and mental strength. It was surprising that they had fallen behind 2-0 at home against the Knicks in the first place. The Celtics have now built significant leads in every game, leading by 14 points or more in all matchups and by 20 in four of them. Their ability to maintain a lead without Tatum on the court is a testament to their depth and resilience.
“Four hours ago, we just had to win one game,” Mazzulla said. “Now, we just have to win one game.” As the Celtics prepare for Game 6, they have the opportunity to prove that they can overcome the odds once again.
Game 6 will tip off at 8 p.m. at Madison Square Garden, and the Celtics are determined to continue their fight for the postseason.
