CLEVELAND – Jaylen Brown scored 23 points and Jayson Tatum added 20 in his second game back from a torn right Achilles tendon, lifting the Boston Celtics to a 109-98 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday afternoon. The victory solidified Boston’s position among the Eastern Conference elite and demonstrated their ability to win even as Tatum eases back into game shape.
The Celtics, currently 43-21, swept their three-game season series with Cleveland, who fell to 39-25. This contest, a matchup between two of the East’s top teams, saw Boston build a commanding lead before a late Cavaliers push made the final score closer than the game felt for much of the afternoon.
Brown’s all-around performance – nine rebounds and eight assists to head with his 23 points – was crucial for the Celtics. Tatum, playing 27 minutes, finished 6 of 16 from the field, scoring six points in the fourth quarter, including a key shot down the stretch. Payton Pritchard contributed 18 points, and Baylor Scheierman added 16 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing Boston’s depth.
The Celtics’ strong performance moves them within three games of the East-leading Detroit team, intensifying the race for the top seed in the conference. Boston’s ability to win on the road, coupled with Tatum’s return, makes them a formidable opponent as the playoffs approach.
Cavaliers Mount Late Charge
Despite the Celtics’ dominance for much of the game, the Cavaliers didn’t go down without a fight. Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 30 points, while Evan Mobley added 24 points and eight rebounds. James Harden chipped in with 19 points and 10 assists, demonstrating the Cavaliers’ offensive firepower.
Cleveland, which had won a season-high seven straight at home prior to Sunday’s game, pulled within eight points midway through the fourth quarter thanks to a 3-pointer from Jaylon Tyson. However, Pritchard responded with a 3-pointer of his own and followed it up with back-to-back baskets, restoring the Celtics’ double-digit advantage and effectively sealing the victory.
Tatum’s Return Continues
Tatum’s return from a significant injury is a major boost for the Celtics. He scored 14 points in the first 12 minutes of the game, helping Boston establish a commanding 48-29 advantage in the second quarter. His presence alone creates spacing and opportunities for his teammates, and his scoring ability is a constant threat to opposing defenses.
“Today felt a lot more normal, just from a preparation standpoint in this league,” Tatum said, according to the Associated Press. “It felt like being back in the flow again. It’s just amazing how happy I am to be back and wanting to be out there more.”
The Celtics’ coach, Joe Mazzulla, is carefully managing Tatum’s minutes as he returns to full strength. Despite the limited playing time, Tatum is making a significant impact on both ends of the court, providing a spark for the Celtics.
Cavaliers Struggle from Three-Point Range
One key factor in the Cavaliers’ defeat was their poor shooting from beyond the arc. Cleveland shot just 2 of 22 on 3-pointers in the first half, hindering their ability to keep pace with the Celtics’ offensive output. This shooting slump allowed Boston to build a substantial lead that proved difficult to overcome.
Cleveland was also without center Jarrett Allen, who did not play due to a right knee injury sustained earlier in the week. Coach Kenny Atkinson indicated Allen was “trending better,” but he was unavailable for Sunday’s game. Allen’s absence was felt defensively, as the Celtics were able to attack the paint with relative ease.
Looking Ahead
The Celtics will look to continue their winning ways as they head home for their next game. The Cavaliers will aim to bounce back from this defeat and maintain their position as a top team in the Eastern Conference. Both teams are gearing up for a competitive playoff push, and every game carries significant weight as they jockey for position.
The Celtics and Cavaliers have established themselves as legitimate contenders in the East, and their matchups are sure to be exciting down the stretch. Fans can expect more intense battles between these two teams as they vie for playoff seeding and a championship.
Boston’s next game is scheduled for Wednesday against the Orlando Magic. Cleveland will face the Charlotte Hornets on Friday.
Related reading
