The Boston Celtics aren’t going home just yet—and they’re making sure the New York Knicks don’t get too comfortable either.
In a high-stakes Game 5 at TD Garden, the Celtics dug deep and delivered a gritty 104-97 win, staving off elimination and forcing a Game 6 back at Madison Square Garden. With their season on the line, Boston played with urgency, composure, and that signature Celtics toughness, proving once again why they’re never out until the final buzzer sounds.
The Celtics entered Game 5 with their backs against the wall. Down 3–1 in the series and facing elimination, they responded the way a championship contender should. Led by Jaylen Brown’s 28 points and Jrue Holiday’s veteran poise, Boston turned up the intensity from the opening tip, outworking the Knicks on both ends of the floor.
“NOT DONE YET,” Brown said postgame, echoing the energy that fueled the Celtics through all four quarters. “We’ve been through battles. We knew we had to bring the fight tonight—and we did.”
While Jayson Tatum had an off night by his standards, he still contributed with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and several key defensive stops. But it was the collective effort from the Celtics that made the difference. Derrick White continued his stellar postseason with timely shooting, and Al Horford gave Boston the veteran edge, drilling back-to-back threes in the third quarter to swing momentum.
The turning point? Defense.
After allowing the Knicks to control pace and space in the previous games, Boston locked in defensively. They forced 14 turnovers, held New York to just 41% shooting from the field, and contained Jalen Brunson, who had torched them earlier in the series. Holiday and White led the charge on the perimeter, while Horford and Porziņģis held the paint.
The win sends the series back to Madison Square Garden for a pivotal Game 6—where the Celtics now carry renewed confidence. MSG has been electric this series, but Boston has shown they can handle the pressure. Game 6 won’t be easy, but this group thrives in adversity.
“It’s not about winning three games in a row,” Coach Joe Mazzulla said. “It’s about winning one at a time. And tonight, we did our job. Now we get ready to do it again in New York.”
The Celtics know the margin for error remains razor-thin. But if Game 5 proved anything, it’s that they’re far from finished. The heart, the hustle, the belief—it’s all still there. The message is clear to fans, critics, and the Knicks alike: the Celtics are not going quietly.
So get ready for the lights, the energy, the pressure of MSG.
Game 6 is coming.
The Celtics are coming.
And they’re NOT DONE YET. ☘️👀
