Derrick White led the Boston Celtics with 34 points, including seven 3-pointers, as they defeated the New York Knicks 127-102 in Game 5 on Wednesday night, preserving their position in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Celtics, who hit 22 three-pointers, achieved their first home win of the series without Jayson Tatum, who is sidelined due to a season-ending Achilles injury.

The Knicks will attempt to secure the series on Friday in New York. If the Celtics manage another win, a decisive Game 7 is scheduled in Boston on Monday.

Jaylen Brown contributed 26 points and 12 assists, while Luke Kornet contributed 10 points, nine rebounds, and seven blocks. The Celtics aim to be the 14th team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 deficit in the playoffs.

Josh Hart led the Knicks with 24 points despite momentarily leaving the game due to a facial injury from an elbow. Jalen Brunson scored 22 points before fouling out with 7:19 left in the game. The Celtics, after trailing by nine points, ended the third quarter on a 23-9 run, taking a 91-76 lead into the final period. The game continued its intense physicality throughout, featuring a brief altercation between Hart and Brown.

During the first half, the score stood at 59-59.