The Boston Celtics, the reigning NBA champions, now find themselves on the brink of elimination in the 2024 playoffs after losing their star player Jayson Tatum to a ruptured right Achilles tendon during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. With the Celtics trailing the series 3-1 and facing the New York Knicks, the urgency to win Game 5 on Wednesday has intensified.
Despite Tatum’s absence – which is expected to sideline him for the rest of the year – the Celtics have historically shown resilience without him, holding a 9-2 record this season when he does not play, including a competitive 3-2 mark against playoff teams. “We just got to find a way,” said Derrick White, emphasizing the team’s determination to push through.
Jaylen Brown’s performance becomes even more crucial, as his effective field goal percentage in this series hovers at a modest 42.2%. Even so, the Celtics have managed to outscore their opponents when Brown is on the floor, thanks in part to their defensive strategies. The game plan now centers around utilizing ball-screens to create offensive opportunities for Brown, especially against Knicks defenders like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
In terms of lineup strategies, the Celtics must decide whether to play smaller to boost their offensive output. With Kristaps Porziņģis struggling to fill Tatum’s scoring gap due to health issues, a small-ball approach could facilitate better spacing and a more dynamic drive-and-kick offense. Additionally, the potential return of Sam Hauser, who has been injured, could enhance their offensive options.
The Knicks, on the other hand, have displayed a tendency to start slowly, which has cost them in past matchups against the Celtics. By focusing on creating better first-quarter performances, they could avoid falling into early deficits that lead to challenging climbs back into games.
The Celtics have struggled in clutch situations, scoring only 12 points in the final five minutes of close games throughout the playoffs. As they prepare to face the Knicks again, improving their execution in high-pressure situations will be vital.
While the Celtics face daunting odds, their history of overcoming challenges without Tatum gives fans something to hold onto as they look to spark a comeback against the Knicks. Game 5 holds the potential for a crucial turnaround, and with teamwork and determination, the Celtics could keep their championship hopes alive.