Cavaliers Lose to the Celtics 120-113: Game Recap 12/12/23

December 12, 2023

Andy Billman

Post-Game Recap


3 Key Factors Around the Loss

1 – 14-7

After a Donovan Mitchell jumper to tie it at 106-106, down the stretch, the Cavs were outscored 14 to 7 for the Celtics to pull ahead for good.

The big difference late in the game and throughout was free throws. The Celtics were perfect from the line, going 26 for 26, as the Cavs were only 6 for 9.  Boston scored 6 of their final 14 points from the line.

2 – Rebounds 

The glass was controlled by Boston all night, out-rebounding the Cavs by 10.

3 – Cavs guards

Cleveland hung around in this game because the Cavs’ backcourt of Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Max Strus combined for 72 points compared to only 53 points for the starting backcourt of Jaylen Brown, Jrus Holiday, and Derrick White. 


Game Summary

On Tuesday night, the Boston Celtics secured a 120-113 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, maintaining their flawless home record. Jayson Tatum showcased his skills with 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Jaylen Brown equally contributed 25 points to the triumph.

Cleveland’s Kristaps Porzingis recorded 21 points and 10 rebounds, supported by Derrick White’s 17 points. In the crucial fourth quarter, Boston’s defensive prowess held Cleveland scoreless for 4 minutes and 40 seconds, sealing the win. The Cavaliers, who had played on the road the previous night, struggled to recover.

Despite Donovan Mitchell’s 29 points and Darius Garland’s 26-point performance for the Cavaliers, they couldn’t overcome the fourth-quarter cold spell. Additionally, Boston dominated the rebounding battle with a 45-35 advantage.

Max Strus contributed 17 points and nine rebounds for the Cavaliers, who were looking to bounce back from a previous loss to Orlando. Although Cleveland initiated the game with an 18-4 run, they couldn’t sustain the momentum.

Porzingis played a pivotal role in breaking a 106-all tie, converting four consecutive free throws in the fourth quarter. Tatum’s clutch 3-pointer extended Boston’s lead to 113-106 with 4:26 remaining, and the Cavaliers struggled to score until Jarrett Allen’s layup narrowed the gap to 113-108 with 3:25 left.

Brown’s layup and quick 3-pointer at the start of the second half gave Boston a 64-61 lead. However, Mitchell’s three consecutive 3-pointers quickly shifted the advantage back to Cleveland. The game remained closely contested, with Boston holding a slim 94-92 lead entering the fourth quarter.

A technical foul on Mitchell in the second quarter allowed Tatum to tie the game at 57-all, and Brown’s layup secured Boston’s first lead at 59-57.

Up Next

At Boston Celtics on Thursday Night

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