From Jaylen Brown to Luke Kornet, Celtics Show There’s More Basketball to Be Played

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – On May 14, 2025, the Boston Celtics delivered a resounding statement with a 127-102 victory over the New York Knicks at TD Garden. The highlight of the game was Luke Kornet’s playoff performance, which helped showcase the team’s resilience despite facing a 3-1 deficit in the second round of the NBA playoffs. This win came without their star player, Jayson Tatum, who suffered a season-ending ruptured Achilles tendon in Game 4.

A Team United in Adversity

The Celtics entered the game with a sense of urgency. They were fully aware that their struggles earlier in the series were self-inflicted, marked by missed three-pointers and a lack of defensive intensity. Derrick White, who stepped up with an impressive 34-point performance, acknowledged the challenge of losing Tatum. The team rallied around Luke Kornet, whose playoff performance was a key factor in their success. White emphasized the depth and competitiveness of the team. “Seeing your brother go down was tough. He texted us today. He’s cheering us on,” White said, highlighting the camaraderie within the squad.

Key Contributions from Role Players

While Jaylen Brown contributed 26 points and showcased solid two-way play, it was Luke Kornet who electrified the crowd in the second half. With Kristaps Porziņģis sidelined due to illness, Kornet seized the opportunity. Luke Kornet’s playoff performance truly shined as he finished with 10 points, nine rebounds, and seven blocked shots. His dynamic play, including a memorable backward dunk, energized the TD Garden and provided the Celtics with the momentum they needed.

A Challenging Atmosphere

Despite the Celtics’ victory, the presence of Knicks fans in the arena was notable. This suggested that some Celtics supporters had sold their tickets. This phenomenon echoed past instances where rival fans took over home arenas. However, the Celtics remained focused on their mission. Brown expressed gratitude for the fans who showed up, acknowledging the challenging circumstances surrounding Tatum’s injury. He emphasized the importance of continuing to play basketball amidst the excitement of Luke Kornet’s playoff performance.

Ignoring the Noise

As speculation swirled about potential changes within the organization, both Brown and White remained unfazed. White stated, “I didn’t hear nothin’. There’s always talk. Good talk. Bad talk. I try to just block it all out.” The team’s focus was clear: they needed to win one game at a time, and they were determined to rise to the occasion. Among these determined efforts, Luke Kornet’s playoff performance stood out as a beacon of strength and motivation for the team.

Looking Ahead

Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla noted the team’s ability to connect and elevate their performance in the second half. However, he acknowledged the unique challenge of navigating the playoffs without Tatum. “Everybody in that locker room has another layer they can get to, and they did as the game went on,” he said. He emphasized the need for continued growth.

With Game 6 looming in New York, the Celtics are poised to take the next step. A victory would force a decisive Game 7 back at TD Garden, where the stakes will be even higher. As the team prepares for the challenge ahead, they remain focused on cleaning up the mess of their own making. They are proving that there’s still plenty of basketball left to be played.