This Sunday, the Cleveland Cavaliers pulled off a memorable victory over the Boston Celtics 115-111, snapping Boston's streak of seven consecutive victories. The key to the win was an impressive last quarter from Donovan Mitchell, who scored 20 of his 35 points in the final 12 minutes of the game, leading his team to an epic comeback from a 14-point deficit.
A Complicated Beginning
The game got off to a rough start for the Celtics, who suffered a rough start with a 0-8 deficit and then a -11 deficit in the second quarter. However, they quickly reacted with a fierce comeback. Jayson Tatum, the team's leader, was unstoppable during the third quarter, scoring 17 points, including three three-pointers that helped the Celtics build a 14-point lead, ending the third quarter with a score of 84-70.
Despite the lead, the Celtics were surprised by the reaction of the Cavaliers, who, driven by Mitchell, were able to cut the deficit quickly. The last quarter was all Cleveland, with a 9-0 run at the start that revived the home team and allowed the crowd to cheer. Mitchell was spectacular, scoring all his shots in this period, including four three-pointers, and grabbing several key rebounds for his team.
Mitchell, who had been out for the previous game due to health problems, became the hero of the night, demonstrating his class and ability to change the course of the game. Throughout the fourth period, his display of talent was overwhelming.
In less than two minutes, he scored eight straight points to put the Cavaliers ahead, which changed the dynamics of the game completely. In addition, Cleveland's free throws and defensive pressure were crucial to maintain the lead and close out the game.
For the Celtics, despite the loss, Tatum was the leading scorer with 33 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Latvian Kristaps Porzingis also contributed 21 points and eight rebounds, while Payton Pritchard, who had recently shined in previous games, scored 24 points off the bench.
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Celtics without Brown and White
However, the absence of Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, who did not play due to health problems, affected the Celtics' defensive performance at critical moments.
Cleveland, which was coming off two consecutive losses to the Atlanta Hawks, achieved an important victory to reaffirm its position as the best team of the season. With a record of 18 wins and only three losses, the Cavaliers remain at the top of the Eastern Conference, surpassing the Celtics, who now have a record of 16 wins and four losses.
The game was a true test for the Celtics, who, despite a strong offensive performance in the first half, were unable to maintain their lead in the final minutes. The fourth period was key, and Mitchell's ability to control the game and score at crucial moments was what defined the Cavaliers' victory.
In addition, the Cleveland team showed great defensive solidity at the end of the game, forcing the Celtics into mistakes and taking advantage of every opportunity.
The Cavaliers, with their win, not only snapped the Celtics' streak, but also proved that they can compete at the highest level, even against a team as strong as Boston. Despite the losses, Cleveland stood tall and executed their game plan effectively, with Mitchell as the key player.
The Cavaliers came away with a crucial win that reinforces their position as one of the top teams of the season. Mitchell's performance in the fourth period will be remembered as one of the best of his career, and his ability to dominate in decisive moments made the difference in a game that seemed lost for his team.
The Celtics, on the other hand, will have to learn from their mistakes and recover their best version to continue fighting for the top of the East.
