The Boston Celtics forced Game 6 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series with the New York Knicks. The Celtics, who are without long-term injured star Jayson Tatum, who tore his Achilles and is questionable for next season, won 127:102 at home.

At TD Garden, the champions had no choice but to seek victory to keep their chances of another final. In Tatum's absence, Derrick White took on the responsibility, finishing with 34 points, including 7/13 from three. Jaylen Brown came close to a triple-double with 26 points, 8 rebounds and 12 assists, and Peyton Pritchard contributed 17 off the bench. Jrue Holiday and Al Horford scored 14 and 12 points respectively, while Luke Kornet played a very solid game, finishing with 5/5 shooting for 10 points, 9 rebounds and 7 blocks.

For the visitors from New York, Josh Hart finished with 24 points. Jalen Brunson added 22, and Karl-Anthony Towns scored 19. Miles McBride scored 11, and Mitchell Robinson finished with 8 points and 13 rebounds, but the Knicks simply did not have a good day and deservedly lost.

Game number 6 is in the New York arena this Friday. If the Celtics win again, the decisive seventh clash is in Boston on Monday.

In the West, the Minnesota Timberwolves closed the series with the Golden State Warriors 4-1 for a new conference final. The Wolves won 121:110 at home and will once again compete for the Western Conference title after losing to the Dallas Mavericks last season. The absence of Steph Curry, who was injured in the first game which was won by the Warriors, was key to the series.

Minnesota awaits the winner of the semifinal between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets, where the Thunder have a 3-2 lead. | BGNES