Celtics Game 5 puts Boston on the brink of elimination in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The loss of Jayson Tatum to a torn Achilles has made the challenge steeper. Boston is now down 3-1 to the New York Knicks.
Despite the setback, head coach Joe Mazzulla believes in the roster. “We just got to find a way,” said Derrick White. “Whoever’s out there, whatever it takes.”
Here are four key storylines to watch in Wednesday’s must-win Game 5.
1. Jaylen Brown Must Step Up Without Tatum
With the Tatum injury, all eyes are now on Jaylen Brown. He’s shooting just 42.2% in this series. However, Boston has outscored the Knicks when Brown plays without Tatum.
The Celtics have targeted Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns with ball-screens for Brown. Brunson has held up, but the strategy could open up better looks — if Brown makes quicker decisions.
Expect OG Anunoby or Josh Hart to take over the Brown assignment. Either way, Brown must attack early and efficiently.
2. Small-Ball Could Save Boston
Al Horford has been reliable, but Kristaps Porziņģis hasn’t looked healthy. Boston’s traditional big lineups have been outscored in this series.
A smaller lineup featuring Payton Pritchard, White, Jrue Holiday, Brown, and Horford could bring energy and spacing. Though they’ve struggled with shooting, they bring defensive intensity and better ball movement.
Sam Hauser is listed as probable. If he plays, that adds another shooting threat. Boston may need to spread the floor and push the pace to survive.
3. Can the Knicks Start Strong?
Mikal Bridges and Brunson have led strong second-half rallies for the Knicks. But the team continues to fall behind early.
They’ve trailed by 11+ points in the first quarter in six of eight games against Boston this season. That can’t continue.
If the Knicks start faster, they can control the game early and avoid relying on comebacks.
4. Celtics Must Deliver in the Clutch
Boston was a top clutch team in the regular season. But in this series, they’re just 1-4 in games within five points in the final five minutes.
In clutch time against New York, they’ve scored only 12 points on 24 possessions, shooting 3-for-23 (13%) overall and 1-for-11 from deep.
The Knicks have won six close games this postseason. Boston will need execution and leadership from Brown, Horford, and Holiday to flip the script in crunch time.
Bottom Line
Jayson Tatum’s injury changed everything. But the Celtics still have a path forward — if Jaylen Brown can lead, Joe Mazzulla makes the right lineup calls, and Boston gets back to smart, tough basketball. Game 5 is do-or-die.
Source: NBA