The Cleveland Cavaliers pulled off a big surprise by overcoming a 3-25 deficit to defeat the Boston Celtics 123-116 in an exciting game at TD Garden. Although the Cavaliers had an unlucky start, the Celtics built an overwhelming 25-3 lead in the first quarter, led by an unstoppable Jayson Tatum, who scored 18 points in the opening period.
Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell shined with 41 points, three rebounds, five assists, and three blocks, leading his team to its ninth consecutive victory. Meanwhile, Jaylen Brown also had a standout performance with 37 points and five rebounds. The difference in the game was marked by the performance of the benches, with only six points from the Celtics' reserves, while the Cavaliers contributed 33 points from the bench, led by twelve from De'Andre Hunter.
The Cavaliers managed to stay in the game even after a modest start to the third quarter, culminating in an impressive victory thanks to a 53-31 score in that period. Donovan Mitchell was the standout in the second half of the game, scoring 26 points and accumulating a total of 30 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists by halftime.
Despite Jayson Tatum's 46 points, 16 rebounds, and nine assists, the Celtics could not regain control of the game. The Cavaliers managed to even the regular-season series against Boston and improved their record to 49-10 in the Eastern Conference, the best in the NBA.
It was a demonstration of character from the Cavaliers, who inflicted the eleventh defeat on the reigning NBA champions in 33 games played at TD Garden. A solid performance from Darius Garland and Evan Mobley backed Mitchell's great display, securing the victory for Cleveland.
