Fri May 16 22:10:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Celtics Rally After Tatum Injury, Dominate Knicks in Game 5**

**BOSTON, MA -** The Boston Celtics, reeling from the devastating news of Jayson Tatum’s torn Achilles tendon, delivered a statement victory Wednesday night, crushing the New York Knicks 127-102 in Game 5 of their playoff series. The win, fueled by a renewed defensive intensity and a breakout performance from backup center Luke Kornet, cuts the Knicks’ series lead to 3-2 and forces a Game 6 back in New York.

The Celtics meeting Tuesday was somber as the team learned of Tatum’s injury, but it was followed by a renewed sense of determination, as leaders Jaylen Brown and Al Horford rallied the team. They emphasized empathy for Tatum while reinforcing a strategy shift to a defense-first approach.

“The air kind of left the room after hearing the news,” said Brown. “We didn’t want to go out like that. We didn’t want to make no excuses.”

The Celtics responded by holding the Knicks to a dismal 36% shooting from the field and a season-low 26 points in the paint. A key adjustment was replacing a struggling Kristaps Porzingis, hampered by illness, with Luke Kornet in the second half. Kornet provided an immediate spark, recording 5 blocks and 5 rebounds in the pivotal third quarter as the Celtics outscored the Knicks by 25.

“Obviously our season was on the line, so I was trying to have a lot of energy and make plays,” Kornet said. He finished with 10 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 blocks.

On offense, the Celtics found success through increased ball movement. Jaylen Brown recorded a career-high 12 assists to go with 26 points, while Derrick White exploded for 34 points on 7-of-13 shooting from beyond the arc. As a team, Boston tied a franchise playoff record with 22 three-pointers.

The Celtics’ physicality also proved to be a factor, drawing 40 free-throw attempts and frustrating the Knicks.

With their backs against the wall, the Boston Celtics demonstrated resilience and a newfound identity, proving they are far from ready to concede their season.

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