The Cleveland Cavaliers remained on six straight wins since December 8, with Chicago, Miami and Milwaukee pinned to their hunting roster. But this great series, coming in addition to a team that has not played in the play-offs for four years, ended Wednesday on the floor of the Boston Celtics (111-101).
– –
Boston distances itself from the break
The two teams were greatly reduced by the absence of players impacted by the Covid protocol. Boston thus played without Al Horford, Grant Williams and Josh Richardson, while Cleveland was without Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley and Isaac Okoro.
– –
The Massachusetts franchise had a narrow lead at the end of the first quarter (31-26), before taking off in the next 12 minutes, to lead 63-48 at the break. Back from the locker room, the Cavaliers have never been able to come back to their opponent’s level. Boston even took the opportunity to widen the gap, counting up to + 23 (81-58, 32nd).
– –
34 points pour Jaylen Brown
Jaylen Brown, the Celtics back, was the game’s leading scorer, with 34 points scored in 36 minutes (12/22 shooting including 5/10 from three points), to which were added six rebounds and three assists. Robert Williams (21 points, 11 rebounds) and Jayson Tatum (18 pts) also contributed to Boston’s success.
– –
Veteran Joe Johnson, recruited Wednesday by the Celtics to compensate for absences due to Covid-19, and who had not walked the floors of the NBA for four seasons, he played two minutes for two points scored. Darius Garland, meanwhile, carried the Cleveland Cavaliers with 28 points. Kevin Love, the strong “Cavs” winger, uncertain before the game due to a foot injury, finally played (18 points in 23 minutes).
– –
Cleveland will try to forget its loss on Sunday at home against Toronto, while Boston will want to continue Saturday on the floor of Milwaukee.
– – .
