Derrick White scored 34 points, including seven three-pointers, and continued to live out in the Eastern Conference semi-finals with a 127-102 Game 5 victory over the New York Knicks on Wednesday night.
The Celtics were connected by 22 three-pointers, recording their first home victory in the series, becoming the first without Jason Tatum following a season-ending Achilles heel injury.
The Knicks are looking to win the series in New York on Friday. If the Celtics win, Game 7 will be in Boston on Monday.
Jalen Brown added 26 points and 12 assists. Luke Corne finished with 10 points, nine rebounds and seven blocks.
The Celtics want to be the 14th team in NBA history to return from a 3-1 deficit in 294 attempts.
Josh Hart led the Knicks with 24 points despite closing a bloody gouache in his face after temporarily leaving the game late in the first quarter and taking careless elbow.
Jalen Brunson added 22 points and then fouled out at 7:19 to play in the game.
Boston dragged nine points in the first half, but closed the third quarter with a 23-9 run to take a 91-76 lead. Branson spent the third final 2:45 on the bench after picking up his fifth foul.
The Celtics continued that in the final period, pushing the lead up to just as much as 28 points.
The game was generally very physical, with a short in-person skirmish between Heart and Brown.
That energy was taken over aggressively. The Celtics were hot, earning five from White in the opening 24 minutes, totaling 12.
However, the Knicks held a nine-point lead, connecting in eight three three seconds, earning 10 second-place points. Mitchell Robinson also converted into all four free throw attempts in the first half, negating the deliberate foul strategy for the series that Boston adopted for him.
When half finished, the score was tied to 59-All.
Report by Associated Press.
Want to deliver great stories in your inbox? Create or log in to your Fox Sports account, follow the leagues, teams and players, and receive a personalized newsletter every day!
Get more from the National Basketball Association Get information about games, news and more according to your favorites
