The Boston Celtics are proving once again why they’re considered the team to beat in the East. Riding a dominant second-half performance, the Celtics pulled away from the Cleveland Cavaliers on the road Tuesday night, winning 109-102 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. With top-tier defense, clutch shooting, and a steady dose of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Boston made a strong opening statement.
Game / News Breakdown
Boston came into this series rested after handling the Miami Heat in five games. Cleveland, on the other hand, was coming off a grueling seven-game series against the Orlando Magic. The difference in energy was evident late in the game.
The Cavaliers kept it close in the first half, trailing by just three at halftime, but Boston’s defense became the story in the third quarter. They held Cleveland to just 18 points in the frame, forcing tough jumpers and limiting second-chance opportunities.
Offensively, the Celtics leaned on their perimeter game and ball movement. A flurry of threes in the third quarter broke the game open. Though Cleveland made a push in the fourth, bringing the game within striking distance, Boston’s composure down the stretch helped them secure the win.
It wasn’t a wire-to-wire blowout, but Boston showcased the kind of playoff execution that’s earned them their top seed in the Eastern Conference.
Key Players & Performances
Boston’s star duo carried the scoring load, but it was a collective effort on both ends.
Jayson Tatum:
– Finished with 25 points, 10 rebounds
– Shot 9-of-20 from the field
– Delivered key baskets in the fourth quarter
Tatum took over when it mattered most — particularly in crunch time, hitting timely mid-range shots and getting to the free-throw line.
Jaylen Brown:
– Recorded 22 points on 63% shooting
– Added versatility with post-ups, pull-ups, and transition finishes
Brown’s efficiency helped keep the Celtics ahead when Cleveland made its runs.
Al Horford:
– The veteran big man had 10 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists
– Provided invaluable defense on Evan Mobley and controlled the boards
Jrue Holiday & Derrick White:
– Combined for 23 points and 9 assists
– Played high-level perimeter defense, limiting Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell’s comfort
For the Cavaliers:
Donovan Mitchell:
– Led Cleveland with 33 points
– Took 26 shots to get there, as Boston made him work for every bucket
Mitchell had plenty of individual highlights, but he lacked consistent help from the supporting cast.
Darius Garland:
– Struggled with just 14 points and 4 turnovers
– Had difficulty getting past Boston’s perimeter defenders
Cleveland’s lack of bench scoring also hurt them, as they managed only 22 points from their reserves.
Team Impact & Standings
With this win, Boston grabs a 1-0 lead and reclaims home-court advantage despite playing six of their last seven games on the road. This was a strong message: they are locked in, healthy, and rolling.
The Celtics now have a 5-1 record in these playoffs and continue to show why they have the deepest and most balanced roster in the league.
For Cleveland, the challenge remains finding consistent scoring outside of Mitchell. Their starting frontcourt struggled offensively, and shooting just 30% from three won’t cut it against an elite Celtics defense.
Boston’s bench, though unspectacular in this game, still outperformed Cleveland’s by nine points — a crucial edge in a tight playoff game.
What’s Next
Game 2 is set for Thursday night, again at TD Garden. Boston will look to keep the pressure on, while Cleveland needs to make some key adjustments:
– Get Garland involved earlier and in better spots
– Try to create easier looks for Mobley and Allen
– Bench players like Caris LeVert and Max Strus need to step up offensively
If Boston can continue to control the pace and force contested shots, they’ll be in position to go up 2-0 before heading back to Cleveland. But the Cavs have shown they can rally — they just can’t afford to let this series get away from them early.
Conclusion
The Celtics took care of business, and their Game 1 performance only strengthened their case as title favorites. For Cleveland, the fight is far from over — but they’ll need more from their backcourt and bench to push this series. Thursday night’s Game 2 promises more adjustments, intensity, and Eastern Conference drama.