Eastern Conference Showdown
The Cavaliers, after a grueling seven-game series in the first round, faced the well-rested Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals today. Despite Donovan Mitchell’s outstanding performance with a game-high 33 points, the “Green Team” flourished, scoring 40 points in the first quarter alone, ultimately securing a 120-95 victory in the series opener of the best-of-seven playoffs.
Different Paths to Round 2
Although it has been seven years since these two teams met in the playoffs, their paths to the second round couldn’t be more different. The Celtics, who clinched the league’s best record in the regular season, advanced in just five games, while the Cavaliers and the Pacers battled to a decisive Game 7 before continuing their postseason journey.
Celtics’ Strong Start
Led by Jaylen Brown, the Celtics started the game with a 12-2 run. Although the Cavaliers briefly took the lead at 23-22 behind Mitchell’s efforts, the “Green Team” rallied with contributions from Jayson Tatum to finish the first quarter with a 40-34 lead, which they extended to 59-49 by halftime.
Third Quarter Surge
In the third quarter, the Celtics’ Jrue Holiday and Derrick White combined for four three-pointers, further widening the gap as the Cavaliers struggled to contain them. Despite a 10-point effort from Evan Mobley for the Cavaliers, the Celtics maintained their dominance, entering the final quarter with a 20-point lead and crushing any hopes of a comeback.
Balanced Scoring for Celtics
Five Celtics players scored in double digits, with Brown leading the charge with 32 points, supported by White’s 25 points, including seven three-pointers. Tatum contributed 18 points, and off the bench, Payton Pritchard added 16 points, including four three-pointers. On the Cavaliers’ side, Mitchell’s 33 points were the highest, followed by Mobley’s 17 points.
Brown and White Combine for 57 Points in Celtics’ Rout of Cavaliers
In the ongoing NBA Eastern Conference semifinals, the Boston Celtics faced off against the Cleveland Cavaliers, with Jaylen Brown leading the charge with 20 points in the first half and a total of 32 points for the game. Derrick White also made a significant impact from beyond the arc, sinking 7 three-pointers and scoring 25 points. Despite Donovan Mitchell’s 33-point performance for the Cavaliers, lack of support from his teammates led to a disappointing loss as the Celtics emerged victorious with a 25-point lead, setting the tone for the series.
Celtics Take Control in Series Opener
The top-seeded Celtics faced the Cavaliers in the second round of the playoffs. Despite missing key players like Kristaps Porzingis and Jarrett Allen, the Celtics relied on Brown’s early offensive burst to establish a commanding lead. Although Mitchell led a brief resurgence for the Cavaliers, the Celtics maintained their composure and capitalized on their momentum, ultimately securing a convincing victory in the series opener. (JILICC)