Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats: When Jaylen Brown or Jayson Tatum get hot, it’s usually a good omen for the Boston Celtics. This postseason, their impressive performances have opened up the floor and the 3-point line for Derrick White, adding a new dimension to an already formidable team. In Game 1 of their second-round playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Celtics powered to a 120-95 victory.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics Game 1 East – Conf. Semifinal Information
| Date | May 8, 2024 |
| Location | TD Garden Boston MA |
| Officials | Scott Foster, Curtis Blair, Mitchell Ervin |
| Attendance | 19,156 |
Brown, White, and Tatum Lead the Charge
Brown’s Brilliance:
Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 32 points, showcasing his scoring prowess and setting the tone early.
White’s Sharpshooting:
Derrick White was on fire from beyond the arc, making seven 3-pointers and adding 25 points. His ability to stretch the floor has been crucial for Boston.
Tatum’s All-Around Game:
Jayson Tatum contributed 18 points and 11 rebounds, helping the Celtics pull away in the second half. His versatility and consistency make him a key player for Boston.
The Impact of Derrick White
Derrick White’s emergence as a reliable 3-point shooter has been a game-changer for the Celtics. His 28 3-pointers over a six-game span are the most in Celtics playoff history. Boston has won its past 21 games when White attempts at least 12 3-pointers, underlining his importance to the team’s success.
Cavaliers’ Efforts
Mitchell’s Scoring Spree:
Donovan Mitchell scored 33 points and added six assists for the Cavaliers. He joined an elite group of players, including Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Wilt Chamberlain, by scoring 30 or more points in six straight playoff series openers.
Garland’s Contribution:
Darius Garland added 14 points, supporting Mitchell’s efforts on offense.
Load Management:
Mitchell played 37 minutes after logging 45 in Cleveland’s Game 7 win in the first round. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff acknowledged the need to manage Mitchell’s workload to keep him effective throughout the game.
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Game Analysis
Hot Start:
The Celtics jumped out to a 12-2 lead, with nine points from Brown. This early burst set the tone for the game.
Efficient Shooting:
Boston connected on 18 of 46 from beyond the arc, while Cleveland struggled, going 11 of 42. The Celtics’ efficiency from the 3-point line was a significant factor in their victory.
Fourth Quarter Domination:
Boston carried a 15-point lead into the fourth quarter and started the final period on a 10-2 run, increasing their lead to 102-79. This dominant stretch put the game out of reach for the Cavaliers.
Mitchell’s Resilience:
Despite the heavy minutes, Mitchell was aggressive and scored eight points during a 21-9 spurt by the Cavaliers in the first half. However, Boston’s depth and balanced attack were too much for Cleveland to overcome.
Team Dynamics
Playing Without Key Centers:
Both teams were without their starting centers. Cleveland’s Jarrett Allen missed his fourth straight game with a bruised rib injury, and Boston’s Kristaps Porzingis was sidelined for the second consecutive game with a strained right calf.
Rested and Ready:
The top-seeded Celtics looked fresh after an extended break, following their quick work of the Miami Heat in the first round. This rest seemed to pay off as they played with energy and cohesion.
Historic Performance
The 74 combined points in the opening period were the most in a Celtics playoff game since 1990 and the third-most in franchise history. This explosive start highlighted the offensive firepower both teams brought to the game.
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Mitchell’s Respect for White
Donovan Mitchell, who played with White on the United States’ 2019 World Cup team, wasn’t surprised by his former teammate’s effort. He praised White’s selfless play and his ability to contribute in various ways, whether scoring or playing defense.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats
Cleveland Cavaliers Player Stats
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | FG | 3-PT FG | FT | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evan Mobley | 17 | 13 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 8-12 | 0-0 | 1-2 | -21 |
| Isaac Okoro | 11 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4-11 | 3-8 | 0-0 | -21 |
| Darius Garland | 14 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6-15 | 2-8 | 0-0 | -19 |
| Donovan Mitchell | 33 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 12-25 | 4-11 | 5-5 | -11 |
| Max Strus | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2-8 | 1-5 | 0-0 | -12 |
| Pete Nance | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0 |
| Isaiah Mobley | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0 |
| Emoni Bates | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0 |
| Marcus Morris Sr. | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1-3 | 1-2 | 0-0 | -2 |
| Georges Niang | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0-2 | 0-2 | 4-4 | 1 |
| Tristan Thompson | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2-3 | 0-0 | 0-0 | -7 |
| Caris LeVert | 4 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2-6 | 0-2 | 0-2 | -19 |
| Sam Merrill | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0-5 | 0-4 | 0-0 | -14 |
| Damian Jones | DNP | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Jarrett Allen | DNP | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Boston Celtics Player Stats
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | FG | 3-PT FG | FT | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jayson Tatum | 18 | 11 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 7-19 | 0-5 | 4-4 | 18 |
| Al Horford | 7 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3-7 | 1-5 | 0-0 | 15 |
| Jrue Holiday | 14 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6-14 | 2-7 | 0-0 | 14 |
| Derrick White | 25 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9-16 | 7-12 | 0-0 | 6 |
| Jaylen Brown | 32 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 12-18 | 4-6 | 4-4 | 9 |
| Xavier Tillman | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1-1 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 4 |
| Drew Peterson | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0 |
| Sam Hauser | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 22 |
| Oshae Brissett | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-2 | 3 |
| Luke Kornet | 4 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1-3 | 0-0 | 2-2 | 12 |
| Neemias Queta | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1-1 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 3 |
| Payton Pritchard | 16 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 5-12 | 4-10 | 2-2 | 19 |
| JD Davison | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0 |
| Svi Mykhailiuk | DNP | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Jaden Springer | DNP | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Jordan Walsh | DNP | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Conclusion
The Boston Celtics’ comprehensive performance in Game 1 against the Cleveland Cavaliers showcased their depth, efficiency, and star power. With Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Jayson Tatum leading the way, Boston looks poised for a deep playoff run. The attention on Brown and Tatum has created numerous open looks for White, whose sharpshooting has added a new layer to the Celtics’ offense. As the series progresses, the Celtics’ balance and depth will be critical in their quest for the championship.
