5 hours ago
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The Knicks are headed back to New York — and the Celtics are coming with them.
The Knicks blew their first chance to close out the defending champions, with Boston dominating the second half in a 127-102 win in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
And, this time, the Celtics did not let a huge second-half lead dwindle.
The Celtics, even without star guard Jayson Tatum, were hot from 3-point land throughout the game — making 22-of-49 from deep.
The Celtics were led by Derrick White, who scorched the Knicks for 34 points.
The Knicks went shot-for-shot in the first half with the home team, and the game was tied 59-59 heading to the break.
Josh Hart (24 points) and Jalen Brunson (22 points) paced the Knicks’ offense, but Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns dealt with foul trouble throughout much of the game.
Brunson fouled out with 7:19 left and the Knicks trailing 106-85.
Game 6 will now be Friday night at MSG, with the pressure now squarely back on the Knicks.
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