Cavaliers Outlast Celtics 115-111: Top Performances and Key Moments

Cleveland Cavaliers edged out Boston Celtics 115-111 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on December 1, 2024.

The game had all the hallmarks of being a closely contested affair; nonetheless, they clinched some brilliance in the final quarter to come out victorious.
Key Player Performance:
Cleveland Cavaliers:

Donovan Mitchell: Was unstoppable with 35 points, including 6-11 from three, 7 rebounds and several clutch plays down the stretch.
Darius Garland: He added 22 points and 8 assists, showing excellent court vision and scoring ability.
Evan Mobley: Was big defensively and on the glass while making some crucial baskets.
Boston Celtics: Jayson Tatum: Paced the Celtics with 33 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists as he shot 4-9 from three.
Kristaps Porziņģis: Was helpful with 21 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals. He can do it all.

Game Overview: Cavaliers vs. Celtics Showdown
Payton Pritchard: Played well in crunch time for Boston to keep it alive.
The Cavaliers used a 43-point fourth quarter to rally from behind against a strong third-quarter charge by the Celtics, who had led by as much as 11 earlier.

Donovan Mitchell scored 20 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter as the Cleveland Cavaliers ended Boston’s seven-game winning streak with a 115-111 victory over the Celtics on Sunday night in the second intense matchup between the Eastern Conference’s top teams this season.

Mitchell made all six field-goal attempts -including four 3-pointers-in the fourth as the Cavs overcame a 12-point deficit. The All-Star guard scored 30 in the second half after he was only 2 of 8 from the floor in the first.

The Celtics started off strong with good shooting and a strong defense, leading 51-49 at the break. Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porziņģis proved to be crucial in keeping Boston ahead.

Second Half: The Cavaliers dominated the fourth quarter with a 43-point explosion, led by the heroics of Donovan Mitchell. They took an 11-point deficit and made it a decisive win within the final minutes.

Decisive Moments: How the Game Was Won

Darius Garland chipped in 22 points for Cleveland, which got some revenge on Boston after the defending NBA champions handed the Cavs their first loss on Nov. 19 following a 15-0 start.

With Boston trailing 113-110 with 5 seconds left, Pritchard made his first free throw before intentionally missing his second while hoping for a long rebound.

He was called for stepping into the lane too early, however, which gave the ball back to Cleveland. Mitchell then sealed it with two free throws.

Mitchell made all six of his field-goal attempts — four 3-pointers — in the fourth as the Cavs overcame a 12-point deficit. The All-Star guard scored 30 points in the second half after going just 2 of 8 from the floor in the first.

Darius Garland added 22 points for Cleveland, which caught some revenge on Boston after the defending NBA champions handed the Cavs their first loss on Nov. 19 following a 15-0 start.

Jayson Tatum scored 33 points and Payton Pritchard 24 for the Celtics, who were ahead 93-81 in the fourth before Mitchell took over. Kristaps Porzingis added 21 points for Boston.

The Celtics played without two starters: Jaylen Brown (illness) and Derrick White (foot sprain).

Pritchard made his first free throw and intentionally missed his second with 5 seconds left as Boston trailed 113-110. However, he stepped into the lane too early and got called for it, which gave Cleveland the ball. Mitchell put it away with two free throws.

Mitchell made all six field-goal attempts – including four 3-pointers – in the fourth as the Cavs overcame a 12-point deficit. The All-Star guard scored 30 points in the second half after going just 2 of 8 from the floor in the first.