Mitchell Leads Cavaliers to Game 2 Rout of Celtics, Tying Series
In Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Cleveland Cavaliers bounced back from their Game 1 loss with a dominant performance against the Boston Celtics, securing a decisive 118-94 victory on Thursday night.
Donovan Mitchell emerged as a key contributor for the Cavaliers, showcasing his scoring prowess with 29 points. Mitchell's standout moment came with a remarkable 3-pointer from beyond the arc, followed by crucial baskets in the paint, propelling the Cavaliers to a commanding 16-point lead early in the game.
Reflecting on his performance, Mitchell attributed his success to confidence, stating, "Sometimes you get lucky. Shooters shoot."
The Cavaliers, determined to even the series after a 25-point loss in the opener, delivered a resounding response, overpowering the top-seeded Celtics on their home court. With the series now tied at one game apiece, both teams are set to clash in Cleveland for Games 3 and 4.
Despite scoring 33 points in Game 1, Mitchell received limited support from his teammates. However, in Game 2, the Cavaliers' All-Star guard demonstrated versatility by not only scoring but also facilitating the offense, tallying eight assists and seven rebounds.
Jayson Tatum led the scoring effort for the Celtics with 25 points, while Jaylen Brown contributed 19 points. However, Derrick White, a pivotal performer in Game 1, struggled to find his rhythm, managing only 10 points and faltering from beyond the arc.
Evan Mobley continued his impressive postseason performance for the Cavaliers, recording his third consecutive double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Additionally, Caris LeVert provided a significant spark off the bench, contributing 21 points, including a crucial pull-up jumper that extended the Cavaliers' lead in the fourth quarter.
The Cavaliers' suffocating defense limited the Celtics' perimeter shooting, holding them to just 8 for 35 from three-point range. This defensive effort, combined with efficient scoring, propelled Cleveland to their largest playoff victory as a double-digit underdog since 1991.
Kristaps Porzingis missed his third consecutive game for the Celtics due to a strained calf muscle, while Mobley continued to excel in the absence of Jarrett Allen, who has been sidelined with bruised ribs.
Despite an early deficit, the Cavaliers rallied behind Mobley's strong start and LeVert's scoring surge to enter halftime tied with the Celtics. From there, they maintained control of the game, with Mitchell's exceptional play ensuring a convincing victory.
As the series shifts to Cleveland, both teams are poised for a fiercely competitive battle in Games 3 and 4, with the momentum now squarely in the hands of the Cavaliers.
