The Celtics offered their public yet another remake of the hare and the tortoise. Because they started slowly, to say the least. Very bad to tell the truth. Between missed shots and lost balls, Boston quickly lost 15-2! Jaylen Brown is the only player on his team to score baskets for almost ten minutes…
The Cavaliers therefore logically dominate the first quarter (21-31). After several minutes of hesitation, the defense of Joe Mazzulla's troops picks up speed, Derrick White hits a 3-pointer and the two teams return to the locker room almost tied (59-60).
In the third quarter, Donovan Mitchell found the target three times in a row at 3-pointers. The Celtics respond collectively with winning shots from Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday and Jayson Tatum (94-92). Boston is on its momentum and negotiates the last act well, facing a Cleveland team which gradually gives up and loses 120-113. Two victories in a row for Boston, second defeat in a row for Cleveland.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The Celtics stalled before getting started. After less than six minutes, Jayson Tatum and his teammates were in trouble, having conceded an 18-4 to start the game. Kristaps Porzingis misses shots, there are some pretty stupid lost balls and only Jaylen Brown, with his baskets and his efficiency, allowed his team to stay in the game. Then, it was the collective that got back on track.
– The Cavaliers ran out of steam. Rather skillful at 3-points for three quarters, Donovan Mitchell and his gang missed their last act. For 36 minutes, they always found a way to hit behind the arc to give themselves some air. Less last, and if we add the fouls committed and the absence of free throws, the ingredients were missing to confirm the good first quarter.
– Number 1. Thanks to this victory, the Celtics return to the level of the Wolves at the top of the NBA with a record of 17 victories for 5 defeats. The competition is fierce in the East since the Magic, the Bucks and the Sixers follow not far behind, with only 7 defeats.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
