Celtics run away from Knicks in Game 5 to stave off elimination

With Tatum sidelined, the duo of guards Jaylen Brown (26 points, 12 assists, eight rebounds) and Derrick White (34 points, seven 3PM, three blocks) was sensational, combining for 60 of Boston's 127 points and shooting a combined 10-of-18 from behind the arc.

Overall, the Celtics shot 22-of-49 (44.9%) from three-point range, a far cry from their playoff-record 45 missed threes in the Game 1 loss to the Knicks.

Brown and White certainly garnered most of the attention on Wednesday night, but center Luke Kornet stole the spotlight in another way. Kornet only had 10 points, but made all five of his shots, came down with nine rebounds and recorded an impressive seven blocks in the game.

A huge part of Boston's success was its ability to slow down New York's top two scorers, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. The two combined for 41 points on 12-of-28 shooting, with Brunson fouling out of the game at the 7:19 mark in the fourth quarter.

The struggles from deep to begin the series were concerning for Boston, not to mention the loss of Tatum for the remainder of the season. With their backs against the wall, the Celtics answered and live to fight another day. If they were to rally from the 3-1 deficit, they would become the 14th team in league history to do so in 294 attempts, per the Associated Press.

With Game 6 back at Madison Square Garden on Friday, the Knicks must get more consistent shot-making from their stars and tighten up their defense. If not, this Eastern Conference semifinal series could be heading to a decisive Game 7.