The Boston Celtics have reclaimed their spot as top dog in the East, ending the Cleveland Cavaliers’ impressive run with a nail-biting three-point win. It wasn’t the smoothest game, but the Celtics showed resilience and grit, proving once again why they’re the team to beat.
A Game of Momentum Shifts
The Celtics started strong, building a 21-point lead, only to see it dwindle as the Cavaliers mounted a fierce comeback. Jayson Tatum’s three-pointer in the third maybe made Boston too comfortable, because the Cavs weren’t backing down. They chipped away at the lead, bringing it down to just two points in the fourth quarter.
Al Horford’s defensive prowess was a game-changer. His two crucial blocks in the fourth quarter, followed by a three-pointer from Derrick White, helped the Celtics regain control. Although White narrowly missed a second three-pointer that could have sealed the deal, the team managed to hold on, thanks to Jaylen Brown’s clutch performance.
Jaylen Brown’s Evolution
Brown’s journey has been remarkable. This game served as a reminder of how far he’s come. Despite a tough shooting night, he showcased his growth by contributing in other ways, particularly with his defense and playmaking. His ability to adapt and impact the game beyond scoring is a testament to his development as a player.
The Celtics’ bench had its ups and downs, with Payton Pritchard providing a spark with 13 points. However, the bench struggled defensively, allowing the Cavs to exploit certain matchups. Coach Joe Mazzulla’s decision to stick with Neemias Queta, despite the challenges, was a bold move that nearly cost them, but it seemed to be aimed at building confidence and resilience.
Message sent?
This win wasn’t just about ending the Cavs’ streak; it was about the Celtics proving to themselves that they can execute their game plan effectively. The focus was on making the right plays and maintaining composure, even when the game got tight.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Celtics’ strategies and player performances, tune into the Locked On Celtics podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Celtics Podcast:
- Analysis of Jayson Tatum’s standout performance
- Al Horford’s impact on both ends of the floor
- The Celtics’ bench contributions and challenges
- Defensive strategies and adjustments
Postgame Quotes Of Note:
“We just locked in on defense. We’ve been in that situation a million times where it’s just like, it’s time to win. It’s time to lock in, guard your yard, help each other on defense, get a stop. And then on offense, find out who we’re trying to attack, where we need to put guys at and making the right play. Like I said, we do the simple things really well, really often.” - Jayson Tatum on the fourth quarter performance
“To me, I care more about, can we do it again 72 hours, whenever the hell we play? And can we do it again a month from now and a month later, understanding that we’re not going to be at our best all the time, but the most important thing over the course is, can we just chip away and do that? So it was great that we did it tonight for the guys, they showed the level that we can get to. We just got to do it over and over again.” - Joe Mazzulla on his team’s performance
“it’s just about us. It’s not about anything. It’s not about to prove to the league or anyone or anything. It’s a long season and we continue to make strides to be better. Obviously, our team is not complete. We’re obviously missing KP and we’re getting better. But we continue to work towards that.” - Al Horford on the postgame message
