The Boston Celtics showcased their championship pedigree in a gutsy 127-102 triumph over the New York Knicks, clawing back to 2-3 in the NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals on May 15.
New York Knicks Top Performers:
Josh Hart 24 PTS | 7 REB | 2 AST | 34.4 FPS
Hart was on fire from three today, setting a career best with 5-for-9 shooting and recording his second game with at least 23 points in this series. While this matchup has brought out the best in him offensively, it’s still unlikely he’ll sustain this momentum. However, he’ll continue to be a major contributor with his versatility and hustle plays.
Jalen Brunson 22 PTS | 1 REB | 6 AST | 30.2 FPS
Brunson nearly scored 40 points in their Game 4 win but couldn’t keep the momentum going today. He did overcome a rough start, scoring 9 points in the second but he struggled with foul trouble and eventually fouled out in the fourth quarter. Performances like this are inevitable, but he has been an exceptional scorer throughout the playoffs, currently leading the league in total points scored. He was also outstanding in fourth quarters, making history by recording the most points in the fourth over his first 10 playoff games—surpassing Kobe Bryant in the last 30 seasons.
Karl Anthony-Towns 19 PTS | 8 REB | 1 BLK | 32.6 FPS
Towns has consistently struggled with foul trouble throughout this series and has contributed to a slight dip in his numbers today. He had scored at least 21 points in three straight games and grabbed 11 or more rebounds in each of the six games prior. Still, he has yet to deliver a true breakout performance. With the Celtics thin at the four and five positions, Game 6 could be his opportunity to do just that.
Mitchell Robinson 8 PTS | 13 REB | 2 STL | 31.6 FPS
Robinson provided a big impact in the first half with Towns in foul trouble, finishing with 11 rebounds including 6 offensive while also going flawless 6-for-6 from the line. He will continue to play a crucial role in this series and they will need him to remain efficient going forward.
Mikal Bridges 9 PTS | 3 AST | 1 BLK | 19.9 FPS
Bridges was off today and had little impact elsewhere. However, he delivered a strong scoring performance in Game 4 at home, marking his fourth game this postseason with at least 19 points. They’ll need him to step up again if they want to avoid a potential Game 7.
Boston Celtics Top Performers:
Jaylen Brown 26 PTS | 8 REB | 12 AST | 54.6 FPS
Brown stepped up with Tatum sidelined and put on a show, recording his third double-double and extending his streak to nine consecutive playoff games with at least 19 points. He was especially impressive in the second quarter, scoring 13 points to help keep the Celtics in the game. If the reigning Finals MVP can maintain this momentum, the Celtics will be very tough to beat.
Derrick White 34 PTS | 3 REB | 3 BLK | 47.6 FPS
White took on a bigger offensive role with Tatum out and delivered, finishing with his second 30-point performance and seven three-pointers made in this playoffs. He’s been on target from the perimeter in his last two games and has already made 13 threes. He’s also been a steady scorer in the playoffs, putting up at least 16 points in nine of ten games and should keep it going for them to avoid elimination.
Luke Kornet 10 PTS | 9 REB | 7 BLK | 46.3 FPS
Kornet shifted the momentum in the third quarter with 5 rebounds and 5 blocks, powering a 23-9 rally. With limited options in the frontcourt, they’ll need him to continue putting up this impact going forward for them to have a chance of winning the series.
Payton Pritchard 17 PTS | 5 REB | 3 AST | 30.5 FPS
Pritchard shook off a slow start, going 1-for-5 in the first quarter, and went on to hit five threes despite being inefficient overall. While he’s been struggling with his shot in this series, he’s been a dependable scoring asset this season and finished with the most points and most threes by any bench player. They’ll need him to take on a bigger scoring role if they want to even the series in Game 6.
Jrue Holiday 14 PTS | 7 REB | 3 AST | 25.9 FPS
Holiday didn’t contribute much in the box score but had a very efficient performance and played a big role in the team’s run during the third quarter. He’s also very capable of stepping up offensively and has averaged 18 points over three playoff seasons with the Bucks.
Biggest Disappointment of the Game:
OG Anunoby 6 PTS | 8 REB | 1 BLK
OG struggled to find his offensive rhythm, shooting just 1-for-12 from the field and recording his third game of the series with six points or fewer. Despite that, he’s had flashes of strong performance in these playoffs, scoring at least 19 points in six games—including an impressive showing in Game 4 at home.
