BOSTON — Derrick White entered the Celtics locker room with a contagious smile an hour before the pivotal Game 5 tipoff on Wednesday night. After exchanging pleasantries with a team employee, White made a quick stop at his locker. Before heading out to the court, he rallied his teammates with a simple yet powerful message: “Let’s win one.”
In the wake of the heartbreaking news regarding Jayson Tatum’s ruptured Achilles, the Celtics had little time to regroup as they faced the daunting task of saving their season. However, an uplifting text message from Tatum and a renewed focus on overcoming elimination helped Boston find their spirit. They responded with a resounding 127-102 victory over the Knicks, narrowing the series deficit to 3-2. “We did it for JT,” said Payton Pritchard, emphasizing the team’s dedication to their injured star.
Despite the emotional toll of Tatum’s injury, which required surgery on Tuesday, the Celtics aimed to channel their grief into determination. Leading figures like Jaylen Brown and Al Horford took it upon themselves to motivate their teammates during a film session on the eve of Game 5. As Luke Kornet noted, the veterans reminded everyone that the season was still alive. “Obviously, the air kind of left the room after hearing the news with JT,” Brown reflected. “We didn’t want to go out like that. We said to each other, let’s come out, keep an open mind, and just play basketball.”
Early in the third quarter, with Boston leading by just a point, Brown made a pivotal hustle play. He dove into the Celtics bench to intercept a pass from Jalen Brunson, batting the ball back into play while nearly horizontal to the court. Coach Joe Mazzulla believed this moment marked a turning point in the game. Following Brown’s effort, the Celtics surged ahead, with Kornet blocking five shots in the third quarter alone and White contributing 13 of his 34 points during that stretch.
The Celtics, who had previously struggled in the second half of their three losses in the series, maintained their intensity and built a 15-point lead by the end of the third quarter. “This team has been around a long time,” Mazzulla noted. “They’ve done stuff together. We made winning plays on both ends of the floor.” The veterans proved that they could elevate their game under pressure, showcasing the depth of talent in the locker room.
Boston’s history of rising to the occasion was evident as they sought to replicate past playoff successes. In previous seasons, they had faced similar challenges, including a comeback from a 3-2 deficit against Philadelphia. While they had Tatum for those crucial moments, this time, White and Brown had to step up in larger roles to secure victory.
White set the tone early, sinking four 3-pointers in the first seven minutes, invigorating a crowd eager for a reason to believe. Brown displayed patience and intelligence throughout the game, finishing with 26 points, 12 assists, and eight rebounds while taking on the defensive assignment against Brunson. “He was just great on all levels,” Mazzulla praised. “He took it upon himself to guard Brunson and set the tone.”
Looking ahead, the Celtics will need continued composure from Brown to sustain their chances in the series. Notably, Mazzulla’s decision to bench Kristaps Porziņģis in the second half due to health issues allowed Kornet to shine in the starting lineup, finishing with 10 points, nine rebounds, and seven blocks. Additionally, Pritchard logged a playoff career-high 39 minutes, helping to speed up the game with three-guard lineups. “We played a little bit different, a lot faster tonight,” Pritchard explained, emphasizing the potential of their lineup.
As the Celtics move forward in the playoffs, Tatum’s injury poses significant implications for both the current season and the future. While the players expressed sadness for their teammate, they also recognized the need to channel their emotions into performances on the court. “I texted him to let him know we believe in him and that he’ll make a great comeback,” White said, voicing the team’s support for Tatum.
After their Game 4 loss, the atmosphere in the Celtics locker room was somber. However, Tatum’s message, conveying that his surgery went well and expressing his desire to be with the team, served as a significant boost. “It was just motivating,” Pritchard shared, reflecting on the team's resolve to compete hard in Tatum’s absence. “We know our backs are against the wall, so we’re going to lay it all out for ourselves but also him.”
As the Celtics prepare for Game 6, they have shown resilience and determination that could define their playoff journey. “I believe in this group, so don’t count us out just yet,” Brown concluded, capturing the essence of the team’s fighting spirit.
