Jaylen Brown erupted for 32 points, leading the Boston Celtics to a convincing 120-95 victory over the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The Celtics controlled the game from the tip, boasting a dominant 55-38 rebounding advantage. Derrick White complemented Brown’s scoring outburst with 25 points, including a scorching 7-for-12 showing from beyond the arc.
Jayson Tatum had a rough shooting night, going 7-of-19 overall and missing all five of his three-point attempts. Despite his struggles, Tatum chipped in with 18 points and 11 rebounds, highlighting the Celtics’ depth. Payton Pritchard provided valuable offensive support with 16 points, while Jrue Holiday added 14 points and Luke Kornet grabbed a double-double with 10 rebounds.
Defense proved to be the key for the Celtics, holding the Cavaliers under 100 points.
Donovan Mitchell paced the Cavaliers with 33 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Evan Mobley provided a double-double of 17 points and 13 rebounds, the team’s high. The Cavs were without starting center Jarrett Allen for the fourth consecutive game due to a rib injury. His absence was evident on the boards as the Celtics enjoyed a significant rebounding advantage.
The series continues with Game 2, where the Celtics will look to build on their dominant performance and take a commanding 2-0 lead.
