The Cleveland Cavaliers (18-3) overcame a 12-point deficit and outlasted the Boston Celtics (16-4) with an intense 115-111 win on December 3.
The Cavs rebounded big time from back-to-back losses to Atlanta by ending Boston’s seven-game winning streak. Donovan Mitchell shook off his recent slump with a well-rounded performance, dropping 35 points—30 in the second half—along with 7 rebounds and 2 steals. Darius Garland tallied 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists, while Evan Mobley posted 9 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 33 points and 8 rebounds. Kristaps Porzingis had 21 points and 8 rebounds, while Payton Pritchard added 24 from the bench. The Celtics played without two of their best two-way players Jaylen Brown and Derrick White.
Mitchell Started Slow But Finished Strong
It was a tight contest early, but the Cavaliers gained the edge behind their hot shooting from three. Cleveland controlled most of the second, even stretching the margin to (38-27). However, Boston recovered late to make it a one-possession game. Mitchell had a tough first half, going just 2-for-8 from the field.
The Celtics turned it up in the third, exploding on a 30-12 run to surge ahead by 14 points. Tatum took over, pouring in 17 points. Boston maintained control with seven quick points from Pritchard to start the fourth. But Mitchell roared back to life, igniting a 24-8 avalanche to put the Cavs in front by 4. Mitchell was unstoppable, hitting all six of his shots, including all four of his three-pointers. Pritchard kept the Celtics in the game with a clutch three-pointer with 17.2 seconds left, but the Cavs sank their next eight free throws to secure the win.
The Celtics will host Miami tomorrow, while the Cavaliers will resume their NBA Cup campaign against Washington on Tuesday.
