Cavaliers Lose to Celtics 120-95: Playoff Game Recap Game 1 / Round 2

Post-Game Recap

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3 Notes Around the Loss

1 – Marvelous Mitchell

Even in a blowout, Donovan Mitchell scored over a third of the Cavaliers’ total points with 33.  He was a one-man offensive show. 

2 – Rebounding

If the Cavs want any chance against the Celtics, they have to be at least even on the boards; tonight, they got outrebounded 55-38.

3 – Three-point shooting

Boston made seven more three-pointers in the game, 18 to 11.

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Game Recap

Jaylen Brown led the charge with a remarkable 32-point performance, while Derrick White’s impressive seven 3-pointers contributed to his 25-point tally as the Boston Celtics dominated the Cleveland Cavaliers with a 120-95 victory in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series on Tuesday night.

Jayson Tatum also made significant contributions, finishing with 18 points and 11 rebounds, crucial in the Celtics’ second-half surge.

Despite the Cavaliers initially keeping pace and going 11 of 42 from beyond the arc, the Celtics showcased their superior efficiency from long range, connecting on 18 of 46 attempts.

Boston’s dominance was evident as they carried a commanding 15-point lead into the final quarter, extending it further with a 10-2 run at the beginning of the fourth period to reach 102-79.

Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers’ efforts with an impressive 33 points and six assists, becoming the fourth player in NBA history to score 30 or more points in six consecutive playoff series openers, joining the ranks of Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Wilt Chamberlain. Darius Garland contributed 14 points to the Cavaliers’ effort.

Game 2 is set for Thursday night in Boston.

Building on his outstanding performances against the Miami Heat in the previous round, White continued his hot streak, delivering crucial plays for the Celtics, including his third game this postseason with at least six 3-pointers.

Both teams faced challenges with their starting centers sidelined; Jarrett Allen missed his fourth consecutive game for the Cavaliers due to a bruised rib injury, while Kristaps Porzingis remained out for the Celtics with a strained right calf.

The top-seeded Celtics, enjoying an extended break after dispatching the Heat swiftly in the first round, demonstrated their readiness by establishing an early 12-2 lead, with Aylen Brown leading the charge with nine points.

However, the Cavaliers, propelled by Mitchell’s aggressive play, responded with a 21-9 run to regain the lead momentarily.

Boston regained control, closing the first period with a 19-11 run, leading 40-34 going into the second quarter.

The opening period witnessed a flurry of scoring, with a combined 74 points, marking the highest-scoring quarter in a Celtics’ playoff game since 1990 and the third-highest in franchise history.

The Celtics maintained their momentum, heading into halftime with a 59-49 advantage.

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Up Next

At Boston Thursday