The Boston Celtics head to Madison Square Garden to face the New York Knicks in a do-or-die Game 6 of the 2024–25 NBA Playoffs. With their backs against the wall, the Celtics aim to force a decisive Game 7 and keep their hopes of a conference finals berth alive. But can they pull it off without their franchise cornerstone, Jayson Tatum?
Boston is coming off a spirited win in Game 5, accomplished without Tatum, who suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in Game 4. The Celtics responded with resilience, paying tribute to their fallen star by wearing accessories featuring Tatum’s No. 0 and selling “Do It for Tatum” jerseys outside TD Garden. The crowd matched the team’s energy, fueling a performance that kept the season alive.
Derrick White led the charge with a standout performance, finishing with 34 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals. Jaylen Brown added a double-double with 26 points and 12 assists, while Sixth Man of the Year candidate Payton Pritchard contributed 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists off the bench.
But the unexpected spark came from Luke Kornet. Filling in amid Kristaps Porziņģis’s struggles, Kornet delivered 10 points, 9 rebounds, and a career-high 7 blocks—a breakout performance on both ends of the floor.
Why Tatum is out?
Jayson Tatum is officially ruled out for the remainder of the postseason after suffering a torn Achilles tendon during Game 4. The All-NBA forward has since undergone successful surgery, according to an Instagram post he shared with fans. His absence marks a massive blow to head coach Joe Mazzulla’s squad, which now must navigate the rest of the playoffs without its top scorer and emotional leader.
Who steps up in Game 6?
All eyes will again be on Derrick White, who’s expected to shoulder much of the offensive load. Kornet, now firmly in the rotation, could play a crucial role in containing Karl-Anthony Towns inside. The Celtics will also need a stronger showing from Porziņģis and a full-commitment performance from Jaylen Brown to keep the Knicks from closing out the series.
Defensively, Boston must find a way to slow down Jalen Brunson, who’s been one of the league’s most dangerous clutch scorers all NBA season. With Tatum sidelined and the margin for error gone, the Celtics face their toughest challenge yet—a hostile crowd in New York and a Knicks team eager to advance.