In Game 1 of their second-round playoff series, the Boston Celtics showcased their depth and firepower, led by standout performances from Jaylen Brown and Derrick White. Brown’s 32 points and White’s seven 3-pointers powered the Celtics to a convincing 120-95 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night at TD Garden.
Despite Jayson Tatum’s modest 18 points, the Celtics found ample offensive contributions from White, whose outside shooting has been a crucial asset throughout the postseason. White’s ability to capitalize on open looks has added a new dimension to the Celtics’ offense, making them even more formidable in the Eastern Conference.
Speaking after the game, White emphasized the importance of team success over individual performances, underscoring the Celtics’ collective effort in securing the win. His stellar shooting from beyond the arc has been instrumental in Boston’s recent success, with the team winning their past 21 games when White attempts at least 12 3-pointers.
On the opposing side, Donovan Mitchell’s impressive 33-point performance for the Cavaliers was not enough to overcome the Celtics’ offensive onslaught. Mitchell’s scoring prowess, coupled with contributions from Darius Garland, kept the Cavaliers competitive early in the game. However, Boston’s defensive adjustments and balanced scoring ultimately proved too much for Cleveland to handle.
Both teams were without their starting centers, with Jarrett Allen sidelined for the Cavaliers and Kristaps Porzingis missing his second consecutive game for the Celtics due to injury. Despite these absences, the Celtics showcased their depth and versatility, dominating both ends of the court to secure a commanding victory.
With Game 2 set to take place on Thursday night in Boston, the Celtics will look to build on their strong start and maintain their momentum in the series. As they continue their quest for championship glory, the Celtics’ depth and resilience will be key factors in their pursuit of postseason success.