Mazzulla: Celtics Must Combat Knicks’ Rebounding Advantage

As the Boston Celtics face elimination in their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the New York Knicks, head coach Joe Mazzulla has identified a critical adjustment needed for his team to force a decisive Game 7. Despite an impressive Game 5 victory without injured star Jayson Tatum, the Celtics must overcome the Knicks’ decisive rebounding advantage to extend their season, according to Sports Illustrated.

Heading into Friday’s Game 6 at Madison Square Garden with their championship defense on the line, Boston trails 3-2 in a series where they’ve outscored New York by 35 points overall yet find themselves on the brink of elimination.

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Playing Without Tatum

The Celtics’ championship aspirations suffered a devastating blow when superstar forward Jayson Tatum ruptured his Achilles tendon late in Game 4, requiring immediate surgery that ended his season. This injury to Boston’s leading scorer and primary creator has forced a dramatic tactical shift as the team fights to keep their title defense alive.

“The only thing that you have to anticipate is that you’re gonna get the Knicks’ absolute best game,” Mazzulla explained when discussing Game 6 preparations. The coach emphasized the importance of execution and toughness, noting that the Celtics must “dictate the environment” in the hostile Madison Square Garden atmosphere, according to NBA.com.

Supporting Cast Steps Up

Boston’s supporting cast delivered an inspired performance in Game 5, offering hope that they can extend the series despite Tatum’s absence. Guard Derrick White emerged as the offensive catalyst, recording 34 points, three rebounds, two assists, and three blocks in a dominant display that helped Boston secure a 127-102 victory.

Jaylen Brown has seamlessly stepped into the primary playmaker role, contributing 26 points, 12 assists, and eight rebounds in the Game 5 win. His career-high assist total demonstrated the two-time All-Star’s evolving game and willingness to carry the additional playmaking burden with Tatum sidelined.

Knicks’ Balanced Attack

The Knicks present a multifaceted challenge for Boston’s defense, with five players averaging double-digit scoring in the series. Point guard Jalen Brunson continues to lead New York’s attack, averaging 26.8 points and 7.4 assists per game. Center Karl-Anthony Towns has been equally problematic, contributing 19.6 points and 12.8 rebounds while controlling the paint for the Knicks.

New York’s wing defenders Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby have played crucial roles in the series, both as scoring options and defensive stoppers. As noted by ESPN, this trio has excelled in clutch moments, particularly in disrupting Boston’s offensive rhythm in late-game situations.

Momentum Shift After Game 5

The Celtics’ convincing Game 5 victory represented a significant momentum shift in a series where they’ve statistically outperformed the Knicks. Over the five games played, Boston has led by at least 14 points in each contest, highlighting their potential dominance when executing at their highest level.

Game 5 marked a departure from the pattern established in the first four games, where Boston struggled in second halves. The Celtics scored an efficient 128.4 points per 100 possessions in first halves but just 94.7 per 100 in second halves and overtime through Game 4. Their Game 5 performance saw them maintain their offensive efficiency throughout all four quarters.

Game 6 Keys

For Boston to force a Game 7, their defensive focus must be limiting the Knicks’ second-chance opportunities. New York has consistently leveraged offensive rebounds to generate additional scoring chances, particularly in their three victories in the series.

The Celtics will also need continued production from their bench, with Payton Pritchard (17 points in Game 5), Luke Kornet (career-high seven blocks), and Al Horford all playing critical roles. With the series returning to Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks have gone 27-14 in the regular season and maintained a strong home-court advantage in the playoffs, Boston’s championship resilience faces its ultimate test.