The Boston Celtics took care of business at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers Wednesday night, cruising to a 117-113 victory behind 41 points from Jayson Tatum. It was a resounding win, as Boston dominated on either side of the ball.
This was the third of four meetings between the Celtics and Cavaliers for the year, with Cleveland grabbing two big overtime wins early in the season. With a possible postseason clash possible on the horizon, however, Boston reminded the Cavaliers and the rest of the league why they’re the favorites to come out of the East.
The stars came out to play on both ends in this one. Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell finished with 44 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists. Boston’s 41-26 third-quarter performance might have been too much for Mitchell and the Cavs to handle. Here’s what you may have missed from Boston’s win over Cleveland.
Who are the best bets to win the 2023 NBA title? https://t.co/rpcLiBHtJE
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) March 1, 2023
Jayson Tatum Jayson Tatum Jayson Tatum
Boston’s last outing, an ugly loss in New York to the Knicks, was especially frustrating for Jayson Tatum, who earned his first career ejection. Apparently Tatum was able to put the game behind him, though. He came out like a man possessed against Cleveland.
A massive put-back dunk helped set the stage for a big night for Tatum. The four-time All-Star finished the evening with 42 points on 13-for-21 shooting to go with 11 rebounds and 8 assists.
When Tatum plays to his ceiling, the Celtics become a completely different beast. Boston isn’t the most heliocentric team in the league, but its fortunes often rest on Tatum’s shoulders, and against the Cavaliers the Celtics excelled.
It was a consensus answer, perhaps unsurprisingly. https://t.co/PbbNGQyTMG
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) March 1, 2023
It begins and ends with shooting
One of the hallmarks of Boston’s offense this season has been 3-point shooting. And for better or for worse, it’s become clear this team will live and die by the 3. The Celtics are one of the best shooting teams in wins and one of the worst in losses.
On Wednesday Boston showed just how valuable hot 3-point shooting can be.
As a team the home team shot 16-for-32 from deep, connecting on a blistering 50% of their 3-pointers. Five different Celtics players hit two or more 3s. As head coach Joe Mazzulla stressed pregame, Boston looked confident and comfortable letting it fly.
Boston shoots the same number of 3-pointers in wins as in losses despite radically different shooting splits. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla suggested it may be a matter of confidence. https://t.co/3599cseNtK
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) March 1, 2023
Neither Grant Williams nor Payton Pritchard saw minutes
Jayson Tatum and the Celtics fully took care of business with a possible playoff opponent in the building. Basketball fans in Boston can feel plenty good about the outcome.
It is worth pointing out two fan favorites and key rotation pieces from last season didn’t see any burn on Wednesday. Payton Pritchard earned a DNP while Grant Williams also remained on the bench. Coach Mazzulla told reporters after the game offensive spacing contributed to his decision to play Mike Muscala over Williams.
Boston will play its fourth and final game against Cleveland this Monday in Ohio where the team will look to even the season series.
Today, there was a notable presence around the Boston Celtics of a certain Bristol, Connecticut-based sports broadcasting network. https://t.co/dXuQFTrltP
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) March 1, 2023
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