It was not easy but the idea for the Boston Celtics was to grab a series lead against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night and thats exactly what happened. This is something that seemed was going to happen after the resounding victory in the first game with a 120-95 scoreboard. However, everything changed in the next game, when the Cavs took the reins at TD Garden and tied the series.
Now the teams were moving to Cleveland, where the third match was played. Still, despite the surprise of the previous match, those led by Joe Mazzulla looked superior overall and wanted to demonstrate this at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, a stage in which around 20 thousand fans came to support the Cavaliers.
But the classic hostile environment of a Playoffs did not discourage the Celtics, who were concentrated on the court, and this was demonstrated by the 57-48 score they went to halftime with. Between Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday and Jaylen Brown they combined to score 46 of their team’s 57 points.
For the Cavs, all the offensive weight fell on the shoulders of Donovan Mitchell, who already had 23 points at halftime.
Then, Jayson Tatum took control. Boston took more action and with a lead of 15 with a quarter to go.
Already at the closing moments, the green team showed off its favoritism and did not allow any hint of reaction. It was a solid 106-93, with which the Celtics take advantage again in the Eastern Conference Semifinals series.
Jayson Tatum finished with a double-double of 33 points and 13 rebounds, figures that he accompanied with six assists. He was followed by Jaylen Brown, with 28 points. Meanwhile, for the home team, Donovan Mitchell scored 33, although only 10 of them were in the second half.
Celtics are trying to leave up to expectations
It is no secret that the Boston Celtics are the clear favorite to win the Eastern Conference of the NBA Playoffs. During the regular season, they dominated with astonishing ease, winning 64 of the 82 games they played.
In addition to this, in the first round of this postseason, they beat the current Eastern Conference Champions, Miami Heat, in five games.
Cavs and Celtics teams will meet again on Monday, May 13 in Cleveland.
