It was a rough night for Boston as they faced off against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The game was a rollercoaster, and unfortunately, the Celtics came up short, losing their grip on the NBA belt and falling short first place. Let’s break down what happened and why this loss isn’t the end of the world.
Donovan Mitchell’s Fourth Quarter Heroics
Donovan Mitchell was on fire in the fourth quarter, scoring 20 points and hitting all six of his shots, including four three-pointers. The Cavs outscored the Celtics 43-27 in the final quarter, flipping the script on Boston’s usual math advantage. The Celtics and Cavs both made 17 three-pointers, but Boston couldn’t capitalize on their usual edge. Without Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, the Celtics struggled to find their rhythm and defend against Mitchell’s explosive performance.
Celtics’ Offensive Struggles
Jayson Tatum was a beast in the third quarter, scoring 17 points, but the offense stagnated when he returned in the fourth. The team seemed to slow down, possibly playing the clock game too early. The ball movement that had been working so well disappeared, and the Celtics couldn’t keep up with the Cavs’ transition game. Boston’s defense allowed too many open shots, and Mitchell took full advantage.
The absence of Brown and White was felt deeply, as the Celtics had to rely on guys like Drew Peterson and Sam Hauser, who aren’t normally in those situations. While they played well, the defense couldn’t contain Mitchell. Tatum’s fourth-quarter performance was underwhelming, and the team missed key shots that could have turned the game around.
Despite the loss, I’m not overreacting. It’s early in the season, and while first place would have been nice, it’s not crucial right now. The Cavs played hard, and Mitchell’s performance was exceptional. Boston had some good looks that just didn’t fall, and sometimes that’s how the game goes.
Looking Ahead
The Cavs came into this game hungry for a win after a couple of losses, and they saw the Celtics as a measuring stick. They wanted to prove they could compete with the best, and they did just that. For Boston, this loss is a learning opportunity. The team is still figuring things out, especially with Kristaps Porzingis back in the lineup. The defense needs to adjust, and the team needs to find ways to maintain their math advantage.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Celtics’ performance, tune into the Locked On Celtics podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Celtics Podcast:
- The impact of missing Jaylen Brown and Derrick White
- How the Celtics’ defense is evolving with Kristaps Porzingis
- Drew Peterson’s surprise appearance
- A look at the upcoming game against the Miami Heat
