In a game marked by a notable absence on the court, Jayson Tatum’s impressive 33-point performance guided the Boston Celtics to a 109-102 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. With LeBron James observing from courtside, the Celtics now hold a commanding 3-1 lead in the series.
Jaylen Brown complemented Tatum’s stellar showing with 27 points of his own, contributing to the Celtics’ solid lead over the Cavaliers. The Celtics will have an opportunity to close out the series in Game 5, set to take place on Wednesday night at home.
The Cavaliers, already facing challenges due to injuries throughout the season, were further depleted as Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen sat out with calf and rib injuries, respectively. Mitchell, a key offensive player for the Cavaliers, was sidelined after sustaining a calf injury in Game 3. Despite their absence, the Cavaliers put up a resilient fight against the top-seeded Celtics.
Tatum’s back-to-back strong performances underscored his importance to the Celtics’ playoff campaign, with the forward also contributing 11 rebounds and five assists in Game 4. Jrue Holiday provided additional support for Boston with 16 points, as the Celtics maintained their undefeated record away from home in the postseason.
Although the Cavaliers, led by Darius Garland’s 30 points, remained within striking distance throughout the game, they ultimately fell short in their efforts to overcome the Celtics’ lead. Cleveland coach J.B. Bickerstaff commended his team’s resilience and competitive spirit despite the challenging circumstances.
The free-throw line proved to be a contentious issue for the Cavaliers, as they attempted only seven free throws compared to Boston’s 24. Cavaliers guard Darius Garland expressed frustration with the discrepancy, emphasizing the difficulty of receiving favorable calls.
LeBron James, a former Cavaliers star, returned to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse for the game, sparking speculation about his future in the NBA as he approaches free agency. James, accompanied by his wife and agent, received a warm reception from the Cleveland crowd during a timeout in the first quarter.
The status of Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen remains uncertain for the remainder of the series, with both players sidelined due to their respective injuries. Despite the setback, the Cavaliers displayed resilience and determination in their matchup against the Celtics.
Kristaps Porzingis, Boston’s center, missed his fifth consecutive game but showed signs of progress with on-court activities, offering hope for his potential return in subsequent games.
The Celtics’ victory in Game 4 places them in a favorable position to advance in the playoffs, while the Cavaliers face an uphill battle to extend the series in Game 5.
