BOSTON – The Boston Celtics demonstrated resilience and strategic prowess as they secured a hard-fought 120-113 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown led the charge, each scoring 25 points, with Tatum also grabbing 10 rebounds. This triumph ensured the Celtics’ unbeaten record at home continued.
Despite a strong start by the Cavaliers, the Celtics’ tenacity shone through in the latter stages of the game. Kristaps Porzingis was pivotal for Boston, scoring 21 points and securing 10 rebounds. Derrick White’s contribution of 17 points was crucial in a game that saw Boston execute a decisive defensive stand, holding Cleveland scoreless for a critical 2 minutes and 40 seconds in the fourth quarter.
Cleveland, playing their second game in as many nights, started with vigor, dominating the first quarter. Donovan Mitchell’s 29 points and Darius Garland’s 26 points effort were standout performances for the Cavaliers, but they couldn’t maintain their initial intensity, particularly during a crucial cold stretch in the fourth quarter.
The rebounding battle also went in Boston’s favor, with a 45-35 advantage. The Celtics’ superiority at the foul line, outscoring the Cavaliers 26-6, was a significant factor in their victory.
Max Strus added 17 points and nine rebounds for Cleveland, which set a season-high with 19 3-pointers. However, after a strong start that saw them lead 18-4 early in the game, they couldn’t sustain the momentum.
Porzingis, who scored 19 points in the second half, acknowledged the team’s initial sluggishness but praised their recovery. His performance at the free-throw line in the fourth quarter was crucial in breaking a 106-all tie. Tatum then extended the lead with a pivotal 3-pointer, highlighting the Celtics’ ability to find scoring opportunities when needed most.
The Cavaliers’ scoring drought in the late stages of the fourth quarter, juxtaposed against Boston’s organized offensive effort, underlined the game’s turning point. Despite a competitive third quarter where Mitchell’s three consecutive 3-pointers briefly put Cleveland ahead, Boston regained control.
A significant moment came late in the second quarter when Mitchell’s technical foul led to Tatum tying the game at the free-throw line, followed by Brown’s layup that gave Boston their first lead.
The two teams are set to face each other again on Thursday in Boston. This matchup will be a chance for the Cavaliers to seek redemption and for the Celtics to maintain their impressive home record.
This victory for Boston underlines their resilience and ability to perform under pressure, traits that will be essential as the season progresses. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers will look to regroup and adjust their strategy in the upcoming rematch.
