Mitchell Absence Felt
The Cleveland Cavaliers, missing their top scorer Donovan Mitchell due to a left calf strain, suffered a 102-109 loss at home to the top-seeded Boston Celtics in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference playoffs. With the series now at 1-3, the Cavaliers face an uphill battle. The Celtics have the opportunity to clinch a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals with a win at home on Thursday morning Taiwan time.
Cavaliers Hindered by Injuries
Donovan Mitchell, averaging nearly 30 points per game in the playoffs, was sorely missed by the Cavaliers. Additionally, the Cavaliers were without their second leading scorer, star center Jarrett Allen, who was injured in the first round. Despite putting up a fight and keeping the game close, especially in Mitchell’s absence, the Cavaliers lacked the firepower to overcome the deficit.
Balanced Scoring for Celtics
The Celtics relied on a balanced scoring attack, with Jayson Tatum leading the charge with 33 points and 11 rebounds. Jaylen Brown contributed 27 points and Jrue Holiday added 16 points, complemented by Payton Pritchard’s 11 points off the bench.
Post-Game Reactions
Tatum expressed his satisfaction with winning on the road in the playoffs, acknowledging the challenging environment and the support of Celtics fans. Brown emphasized the importance of getting into the game early and not being spectators.
Strong Performances for Cavaliers
Despite the loss, Cavaliers’ guard Darius Garland put up an impressive performance with 30 points and 7 assists, while Evan Mobley contributed 19 points and 9 rebounds. Caris LeVert and Max Strus also had solid outings but fell short of securing a victory for the Cavaliers.
Coach’s Pride
Cavaliers’ head coach JB Bickerstaff praised his team’s effort and competitiveness, expressing pride in their performance despite the outcome.
LeBron James’ Presence
LeBron James, who played 11 seasons with the Cavaliers in two separate stints, was in attendance to watch his hometown team face elimination in the Eastern Conference semifinals. His presence has sparked speculation about his future destination, as he has the option to opt out of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers this summer. However, the 39-year-old superstar stated that he has yet to make any decisions regarding his future. (JILICC)