The Boston Celtics kept alive their NBA playoff aspirations with a dominating 127-102 win over the New York Knicks in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals on Wednesday night. A without-Tatum game saw the Celtics raise the gritty intensity at TD Garden after Jayson had suffered a Achilles tendon rupture in Game 4.
Derrick White had 34 points, and the duo of Jaylen Brown with 26 points, eight rebounds, and 12 assists led the defending champions. Luke Kornet had an impactful defensive game, blocking seven times and scoring 10 points, while six Boston players scored in double-figures. Now the series will move to Game 6 at Madison Square Garden, with the Knicks leading 3-2.
As for the West, the Minnesota Timberwolves stormed into the Conference Finals for the second year running after a thrilling Game 5 win over the Golden State Warriors, 121-110. The Randle-Julius duo was on full display with 29 points on 13-of-18 shooting, along with Anthony Edwards posting 22 points and 12 assists.
With Stephen Curry unavailable, the Warriors still got 28 points from Brandin Podziemski and 26 from Kuminga. Still, it was Minnesota’s inside scoring and depth that were more effective. The Wolves will await the victor of the Denver-Oklahoma City series.
