But then there's backup big man Luke Kornet, whose modest numbers (6.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.0 blocks) belie his ability to soak up minutes in the middle respectably. What the Celtics have gotten from Kornet in a do-or-die Game 5 situation, though, has been jaw-dropping.

With the score tied at halftime, Boston used a dominant quarter to seize control and surge to a 14-point third-quarter lead for the fifth game in a row in this Eastern Conference semifinal against the Knicks. But this time, there would be no collapse.

Two strong candidates emerge as potential candidates if the Boston Celtics decide to break up the core of the team.

Facing elimination, the Boston Celtics were led by Derrick White and Jaylen Brown to get the Game 5 victory and force a Game 6 against New York.

The Boston Celtics looked to be in dire straits heading into Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals versus the New York Knicks. They had lost Game 4 and fell behind 3-1 in the series while also losing star forward Jayson Tatum to a ruptured Achilles late in that contest, and many had written them off.

Jimmy Butler had just 14 points in Game 4, leading many to call for 'Playoff Jimmy' to return for Golden State's postseason lives.

The Boston Celtics have struggled in the second round of the playoffs. Jayson Tatum has drawn criticism for underperforming. In response, he offered a candid self-assessment of his play.