In Game 1 of their second-round playoff series, the Boston Celtics displayed a commanding performance, securing a resounding 120-95 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night.
Jaylen Brown led the charge for the Celtics, contributing 32 points, while Derrick White showcased his sharpshooting prowess with seven 3-pointers, amassing a total of 25 points. Jayson Tatum also made significant contributions, finishing with 18 points and 11 rebounds, aiding the Celtics’ dominance in the second half.
Despite an initial competitive effort from the Cavaliers, who went 11-of-42 from 3-point range, the Celtics exhibited superior efficiency from beyond the arc, connecting on 18-of-46 attempts.
Heading into the fourth quarter with a commanding 15-point lead, the Celtics further extended their advantage with a decisive 10-2 run, reaching a commanding 102-79 lead.
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers’ offensive efforts with 33 points and six assists, marking his sixth consecutive playoff series opener with 30 or more points. Darius Garland contributed 14 points to the Cavaliers’ efforts.
Game 2 of the series is set to take place on Thursday night in Boston.
Derrick White’s stellar performance in Game 1 continued his impressive form from the first round, where he scored 38 and 25 points in the final two games against the Miami Heat.
Both teams played without their starting centers, with Cleveland’s Jarrett Allen missing his fourth consecutive game due to a bruised rib injury sustained in the first round against Orlando, while Boston’s Kristaps Porzingis remained sidelined for the second consecutive game with a strained right calf.
The Celtics, seeded first, capitalized on an extended break following their swift victory over the Miami Heat in the first round, demonstrating a well-rested and formidable presence on the court. Boston quickly established a 12-2 lead in the opening minutes, with Jaylen Brown contributing nine points to the early lead.
Despite Cleveland’s efforts, led by Donovan Mitchell’s aggressive play, the Celtics maintained composure, closing the opening period with a 40-34 lead after a 19-11 surge.
The 74 combined points scored in the opening period marked a significant milestone, representing the highest total in a Celtics’ playoff game since 1990 and the third-highest in franchise history.
At halftime, the Celtics held a 59-49 lead, setting the stage for their eventual dominant victory in Game 1.
