The Prelude
Ahead of Game 5 in Boston, the New York Post stirred controversy by dressing a statue of legendary Celtics coach Red Auerbach in a Knicks jersey. The statue, located at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, was outfitted with a Jalen Brunson jersey, a Knicks cap, and a copy of the newspaper’s Tuesday issue celebrating New York’s recent victory. This provocative act drew strong reactions from Boston locals, who deemed it disrespectful to a figure deeply revered in Celtics history.
The statue of Red Auerbach, unveiled on his 68th birthday in 1985, has previously been dressed in various team gear during different playoff seasons, including Bruins jerseys during NHL playoffs . However, this Knicks-themed attire ahead of a pivotal Celtics-Knicks playoff game added a layer of rivalry tension, highlighting the fierce competition between the two teams. While some viewed the gesture as a playful nod to the Knicks’ postseason run, others saw it as a provocative move that crossed the line of sportsmanship.
Game Night
When the lights are brightest and the pressure peaks, some teams fold. Others rise—and on Wednesday night, the Boston Celtics rose with heart, hustle, and a hint of something deeper: pride.
With superstar Jayson Tatum sidelined as he recovers from Achilles surgery, the Celtics could’ve played like a team short-handed. Instead, they played like a team on a mission. Boston stunned the New York Knicks 127–102 in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series, keeping their season alive and sending a clear message to the league: they’re not done yet.
The Unsung Hero: Luke Kornet Stands Tall
Towering at 7’1″, Vanderbilt alumnus Luke Kornet isn’t often the headline—but tonight, he was the backbone. The veteran big man anchored the Celtics’ defense with a career-defining performance: 7 blocks, 9 rebounds, and 10 points. Time and again, Kornet denied the Knicks at the rim, turning away drives and altering shots with a quiet ferocity that fueled Boston’s second-half surge.
He didn’t just protect the paint—he protected Boston’s pulse in a must-win game.
White-Hot and Brown’s Brilliance
While Kornet held the fort on defense, Derrick White torched the Knicks from the perimeter, finishing with a game-high 34 points and hitting big shots whenever momentum wavered. His confidence from deep helped stretch New York’s defense thin, opening lanes and breaking the game open after halftime.
Jaylen Brown, meanwhile, turned in a near triple-double with 26 points, 12 assists, and 8 rebounds. His unselfish play and command of the offense showed just how versatile and valuable he’s become. Brown didn’t just fill the stat sheet—he led by example, stepping up for a teammate who couldn’t be on the floor.
Knicks Collapse in the Second Half
New York came out swinging, building a 9-point lead in the first half and looking sharp early. But Boston’s energy—and home crowd—helped the Celtics tie the game by halftime. The second half was a rout: Boston outscored the Knicks 68–43, drained 22 threes, and clamped down defensively.
The Knicks struggled to find rhythm. Josh Hart’s 24 points led the way, but Jalen Brunson was contained, finishing with just 22 points on 7-of-17 shooting before fouling out in the fourth. Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby went a combined 5-of-26, failing to provide the needed support.
What’s Next: Game 6 at the Garden
Now trailing 3–2 in the series, the Celtics have flipped the narrative. Game 6 moves to Madison Square Garden on Friday night, where Boston will aim to ride this wave of energy into a series-evening win.
With or without Tatum, this team proved it’s playing for more than a series—they’re playing for each other, for their city, and for the legacy of a jersey steeped in championship tradition.
~Packed House Sports