1 – Season over
The Cavs’ last game saw great effort without multiple key players, Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, and Caris LeVert.
A big topic in the offseason will be whether the Cavs sign Mitchell to a long-term deal and what will happen to head coach JB Bickerstaff.
2 – Garland
And then there’s Darius Garland, who ended game five with only 11 points on 4 of 17 shooting from the field, UGH.
Garland had a significant drop in 2023-24 in points and assists. Garland coming back is certainly not a given for next season.
3 – Injuries
The Cavaliers have been defined by injuries in the last two seasons, which must be addressed moving forward. Yes, Cleveland has a good roster, but if players can’t get on the floor, it is just a bunch of what-ifs.
Jayson Tatum tallied 25 points and 10 rebounds, leading the Boston Celtics to a 113-98 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night, securing their place in the Eastern Conference finals for the third consecutive season.
Al Horford contributed significantly with 22 points, 15 rebounds, and six of Boston’s 19 three-pointers, helping the Celtics clinch their third straight win in the series and a 4-1 series victory. Boston now awaits the winner of the series between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers, with New York currently leading 3-2.
The Cavaliers, missing All-Star Donovan Mitchell (calf), center Jarrett Allen (rib), and key reserve Caris LeVert (knee), managed to stay competitive through the first three quarters. They were within striking distance at 88-85 early in the fourth quarter before Boston went on a 13-2 run, extending their lead to 101-87 with 6:44 remaining.
Evan Mobley set a playoff career-high with 33 points and added seven rebounds. Marcus Morris Sr. hit five three-pointers, finishing with 25 points.
Cleveland now faces an uncertain offseason, with the futures of Mitchell and coach J.B. Bickerstaff in question. Mitchell, who averaged 29.6 points in these playoffs but missed the final two games, has not indicated whether he intends to stay or leave Cleveland, despite being eligible for a contract extension. This potential departure echoes LeBron James’ exit from the Cavaliers in the same TD Garden arena in 2010.
Bickerstaff, completing his fourth full season as Cleveland’s coach, has a record of 170-159, including his interim stint during the 2019-20 season, with two playoff appearances.
In Game 4, much like in their previous match without Mitchell, the Cavaliers utilized the three-point line effectively, making 8 of 19 in the first half. They began the second quarter by hitting 4 of 5 three-point attempts to take a 46-40 lead. Marcus Morris Sr. provided a spark off the bench, scoring 14 points in his first 12 minutes.
However, Boston responded with an 18-6 run to close the half, leading 58-52 at the break.
2024-2025 Season
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