Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Game Recap - May 15, 2024

On May 15, 2024, the Boston Celtics hosted the Cleveland Cavaliers at the TD Garden, delivering an impressive performance to secure a 113-98 victory.

First Half Highlights The game began with a competitive first quarter, where both teams traded baskets. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown set the tone for the Celtics, combining for several key plays that kept the Celtics ahead. The Cavaliers, led by Donovan Mitchell, managed to keep the game close, with Mitchell showcasing his scoring ability early on.

In the second quarter, the Celtics began to pull away. Marcus Smart’s defensive prowess disrupted the Cavaliers' offense, and Tatum continued to dominate, hitting several crucial shots. By halftime, the Celtics had established a significant lead, going into the break with a 15-point advantage.

Second Half Highlights The third quarter saw the Cavaliers attempting a comeback. Mitchell continued to score efficiently, but the Celtics' defense tightened, with Al Horford and Robert Williams protecting the paint. The Celtics' offensive strategy, focused on ball movement and spacing, allowed them to maintain their lead. Brown and Tatum continued to be the primary scoring threats, each making pivotal plays to keep the momentum in Boston's favor.

In the final quarter, the Celtics sealed the game with strong performances from their bench. Payton Pritchard and Malcolm Brogdon contributed with timely shots and solid defense, ensuring there was no late-game collapse. The Cavaliers struggled to close the gap, and despite Mitchell's efforts, they couldn't overcome the Celtics' balanced attack.

Key Performances

• Jayson Tatum: Tatum led the Celtics with 29 points, showcasing his scoring versatility and leadership.
• Jaylen Brown: Brown added 25 points, contributing significantly on both ends of the floor.
• Donovan Mitchell: Mitchell was the standout for the Cavaliers, scoring a game-high 33 points but lacked sufficient support from his teammates.

Conclusion The Celtics' victory highlighted their depth and defensive capabilities, making them a formidable team in the playoffs. The Cavaliers, while showing flashes of brilliance through Mitchell's performance, need to find more consistency from their supporting cast to advance further in the postseason.

The Celtics now look forward to their next matchup, buoyed by this convincing win, while the Cavaliers will need to regroup and address their shortcomings to stay competitive in the series.