Reigning NBA champions Boston battled back from Jayson Tatum’s shattering injury blow to defeat the Knicks 127-102 and breathe new life into their faltering playoff campaign.
The Celtics, trailing 3-1 and facing elimination in the best-of-seven series after Monday’s defeat that saw Tatum suffer a ruptured Achilles tendon, roared back at their TD Garden.
Derrick White and Jaylen Brown led Boston’s fightback, combining for 60 points to extend the Eastern Conference semi-final series to a game six at Madison Square Garden in New York on Friday.
White finished with 34 points while Brown chipped in with 26 points, eight rebounds and 12 assists to give Boston a flicker of hope for the remainder of the series.
Unheralded Boston bench player Luke Kornet produced a crucial defensive cameo, the 7ft 1in center brilliantly stymying the Knicks’ offensive efforts with seven blocks and a steal.
Kornet also weighed in at the other end with 10 points — part of a balanced Celtics offensive effort that saw six players finish in double figures.
Boston coach Joe Mazzulla praised his team’s response to Monday’s defeat and the devastating season-ending injury to Tatum.
“Whatever it is that we have to go through, there’s no bunch of people I’d rather do it with than the guys in that locker room,” Mazzulla said. “It’s that simple.
“They made enough plays to win, and they gave us another chance to play.
“You never want to be without any of your players, especially one of your best ones. But regardless of who’s out, each guy steps up and plays a role.”
After reaching halftime level at 59-59, the Celtics took control after outscoring New York 32-17 in the third quarter, stretching the lead to as much as 23 points in the fourth quarter.
Any hopes of a miraculous Knicks comeback dimmed with 7min 19sec remaining in the fourth quarter when star playmaker Jalen Brunson fouled out following a collision with Brown, exiting the game with 22 points.
© Agence France-Presse
Photo: Brian Fluharty/Getty Images
