Extraordinary: 82 points between Mitchell and LeVert make the Celtics fall

Beware of Cav. The Ohio team has done well on the transfer market, fixed the right parts, are creating a clear culture, have a good coach and, finally after LeBron James, also clearly a star. They are 4-1 in the Eastern Conference, they have won the two games they have had in front of their audience, increasingly tied to their players, and still do not have all their players available (Ricky Rubio is missing). The mix of young and old is a delight and the crown jewel of him, that Donovan Mitchell who left behind the (too) quiet life of Salt Lake City and the (too) erratic relationship with Rudy Gobert , he’s the perfect age to lead a new project (26) and has a bright future ahead of him which is now irremediably linked to Cleveland, its people, its basketball and the resurrection of an entity that, throughout the 21st century, has only trod the finals with LeBron James among its ranks.

The victory over the Celtics (123-132) is another good example of the degree of maturity achieved by a team that, at the moment, is extraordinary. with extension, in a given Garden and find and multiply an opponent’s weaknesses who has them. And with an extra prize and a nod to the past: Donovan Mitchell and Caris LeVert together for 82 points, 41 each. This is the first time this has happened since June 13, 2016, during Match 5 of the Finals. Memories) The one in which a historic season began, with Draymond Green sanctioned for his work and the grace of him and LeBron and Kyrie Irving encouraged in the search for a milestone finally reached, in one of the most incredible series in the history of basketball. The ring promised by him Rey it reached the smaller market, the Cavaliers. And a few years later, LeBron, already without his throne, collapses in the bigger market as his life team (because it is) emerges from its ashes and looks to the near future with a smile.

Mitchell scored 41 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists in a series of spectacular shots: 15 of 26, with 5 of 9 in triples and 6 of 6 in free throws (with 7 turnovers, almost his only negative figure); LeVert, who averaged 11.5 points a night before this match, scored 41 + 4 + 7, with 3 steals, 12 out of 21 from shooting, 6 out of 8 from the outside and 11 out of 12 from the staff. Between them they scored 28 of the 37 points the Cavs added between fourth quarter and overtime and 16 of the 18 that were converted in overtime. A sublime combined performance, historic for the Ohio team and the NBAand fueled by a lively and optimistic spirit that moves to the track, where the game is fun to follow and, at times, even captivating.

The Celtics managed to win the game and avoid extra time, but Jayson Tatum tinkered with the siren. Before that, Jarrett Allen only made one free throw out of two attempts to bring the board to 114., after Jaylen Brown put his team one point ahead after a fabulous three-pointer from Caris LeVert. But the Celtics didn’t play well and they have a problem: defense. They conceded 132 points, 18 in extra time (one less than in the fourth quarter, in which they received only 19), and allowed the Cavs to shoot over 50% on baskets and 45% on triples. They also fall clearly in the fight for the rebound (42-33). And finally, even if this has nothing to do with defense, they lost 19 balls.. Too much negative data with such a serious team ahead … and punishment received and deserved.

Jayson Tatum (32 + 7 + 4, but 4 losses) and Jaylen Brown (32 + 8 + 4, but 6 losses) were the best of the Celtics, but also the only ones to have scored and attempted shots in extra time, making the attack very predictable. Al Horford went on 12 points, but with only 2 rebounds; and Smart at 11 + 5 + 7, but with 3 out of 15. Again, too much negative data. In the Cavs, in addition to the dynamic duo and their performance for the annals, very good Jarret Allen (12 + 11) and Evan Mobley (19 + 10). Kevin Love, as always, provided calm and good decisions from the bench (9 + 5). But nothing matters, given that the two great protagonists of the evening were two outsiders who combined for 82 points, 8 rebounds, 10 assists, 27 of 47 field shots, 11 of 17 3-point shots and 17 of 18 free throws. Their names are Donovan Mitchell and Caris LeVert. there is that.