Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown led the Boston Celtics to a 106-93 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. After a disappointing loss in Game 2, the top-seeded Celtics were determined to bounce back. Tatum scored 33 points and added 13 rebounds, while Brown contributed 28 points. The Celtics took control of the game in the second half, opening with a 14-0 run to establish a 23-point lead that proved insurmountable for the Cavaliers.
Donovan Mitchell scored 33 points for Cleveland, but struggled with a left knee injury in the fourth quarter. The Celtics were able to maintain their lead despite the Cavs’ efforts to mount a comeback. Payton Pritchard and Derrick White hit back-to-back 3-pointers to fend off Cleveland’s challenges. Game 4 is set to take place in Cleveland on Monday night. The Celtics relied on Tatum and Brown to generate crucial baskets when needed, effectively overcoming the Cavaliers’ defensive efforts and securing the victory.
Cleveland faced the challenge of playing without starting center Jarrett Allen, who had been sidelined for six consecutive games due to a rib injury. Despite Mitchell’s strong performance, the Cavaliers were unable to match the offensive output of the Celtics. Evan Mobley, Darius Garland, and Caris LeVert also contributed points for Cleveland, but it was not enough to overcome Boston’s lead. The Celtics controlled the game throughout, building a solid lead in the first half that they maintained until the final buzzer.
The Celtics’ coach, Joe Mazzulla, emphasized to his players the importance of staying true to their strengths and executing their game plan effectively. Boston managed to overcome a slow start in the first quarter to take the lead and never relinquish it to the Cavaliers. Cleveland saw the return of forward Dean Wade, who made his postseason debut after recovering from a knee injury. Wade’s impact was not enough to turn the tide in favor of the Cavaliers, as the Celtics maintained their composure and executed their plays with precision.
With the series now at 2-1 in favor of Boston, the Celtics have regained their momentum and are looking to extend their lead in Game 4. Tatum and Brown’s scoring prowess, coupled with solid contributions from their teammates, have bolstered Boston’s chances of advancing to the next round of the playoffs. The Cavaliers will need to regroup and make adjustments to counter the Celtics’ offensive firepower in the upcoming games. As the competition intensifies, both teams will be vying for a spot in the Eastern Conference finals, making each game crucial in determining the outcome of the series.
