Cavs Overcome Adversity to Defeat Celtics in Thrilling Matchup
CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Cleveland Cavaliers showcased their growth and resilience Tuesday night, edging out the Boston Celtics 115-111 in a high-stakes match reminiscent of their previous playoff encounters. The Cavs, eager for revenge after losing their perfect start to the season against Boston earlier, approached this game with a determined mindset.
Despite missing key players Max Strus and Dean Wade, and with Donovan Mitchell struggling in the first half, the Cavs rallied around Darius Garland’s inspired performance, who scored 15 points before halftime. New addition Georges Niang also made his mark, hitting crucial three-pointers to help Cleveland lead 51-49 at the break.
While Boston surged in the third quarter, reminiscent of last year’s playoff collapse, Mitchell’s composed fourth-quarter explosion—scoring 20 points on a perfect shooting night—helped the Cavs reclaim the momentum and secure their first victory over the Celtics since May 2022. “I’ve never seen a guy like him. He never gets down,” praised head coach Kenny Atkinson of Mitchell’s leadership.
Garland, previously criticized for his defense against star Jayson Tatum, stepped up significantly, proving his development as both a defensive stopper and playmaker. Evan Mobley also contributed defensively and offensively, sealing the win with key plays down the stretch.
“Who are we when we hit adversity?” Mitchell reflected post-game, underscoring the team’s commitment to growth. The Cavs’ victory is not just a mark on their record but a statement of their evolution from last year’s struggles. As the season progresses, they aim to continue building on this newfound resilience and chemistry.
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