The Boston Celtics a facing a must-win Game 6 Friday night at Madison Square Garden, trailing the New York Knicks 3-2 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Despite losing star forward Jayson Tatum to a season-ending Achilles injury in Game 4, the Celtics responded with a commanding 127-102 victory in Game 5.
Derrick White led the charge with 34 points, while Jaylen Brown contributed 26 points and 12 assists. Center Luke Kornet delivered a standout performance off the bench, recording 10 points, nine rebounds, and a career-high seven blocks in 26 minutes.
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Kristaps Porzingis, who has been battling a non-COVID illness throughout the series, played only 12 minutes in Game 5 due to breathing difficulties.
Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8)© Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
However, ahead of Game 6, the 7-foot center was not included on the team’s official injury report, clearing the way for him to play.
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla did confirm pregame that Porzingis would be available, but later made the decision not to start him. Luke Kornet, who went for 10 points and nine rebounds in Game 5, received the starting nod.
This move drew reactions from fans.
“Glad to hear that,” one fan wrote.
“Porzingis had a good role in the second half in game 5. Let’s have him do that again,” another commented.
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“Kornet legacy game 2.0,” a fan added.
“Celtics by 200,” another said.
“Thank you Joe!” one fan exclaimed.
The Celtics aim to force a decisive Game 7 back in Boston, while the Knicks look to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years.
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