Celtics, Knicks Engage in Physical Eastern Conference Semifinals Battle

The Eastern Conference semifinals between the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks has evolved into a fiercely physical and emotionally charged series, highlighted by Game 5's intense, no-holds-barred battle that allowed Boston to stave off elimination and extend the series to Game 6. The Celtics demonstrated resilience despite missing key players like Jayson Tatum, with strong contributions from Jrue Holiday, who has recently recovered from a hamstring strain. Meanwhile, the Knicks have dominated the rebounding battle, particularly in Game 4, where they outrebounded the Celtics by 12 and converted numerous offensive rebounds into second-chance points, thanks in part to standout performances from Mitchell Robinson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Physicality has marked the series, with multiple incidents including head injuries and technical fouls reflecting the high stakes and tension between the teams. Both teams are battling not only for wins but for survival in the postseason, with the Celtics' championship aspirations hanging in the balance as the series shifts back to Madison Square Garden. Health and endurance remain critical factors, as the Celtics manage injuries and strive to maintain their competitive edge against a Knicks squad showing greater physical dominance on the glass.