Celtics Blow 22-Point Lead in 4th Quarter, Lose 11-Game Win Streak to Cavaliers
In a shocking turn of events, the Boston Celtics lost their 11-game winning streak to the Cleveland Cavaliers after blowing a 22-point lead in the fourth quarter. The Celtics seemed to be in control for the first three quarters, but their complacency and lack of discipline allowed the Cavaliers to stage a remarkable comeback and secure a 105-104 victory.
A Mindset Loss
Reflecting on the game, Celtics player Jaylen Brown acknowledged that the loss was more of a mindset issue than a matter of X’s and O’s. He emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline and intentionality on both ends of the court. Brown admitted that the team got too comfortable and let their guard down, allowing the Cavaliers to exploit their weaknesses.
The Fourth Quarter Collapse
For most of the game, it appeared that the Celtics had the victory within their grasp. They shot an impressive 50% from beyond the arc in the first three quarters and held a comfortable 16-point lead heading into the final period. The lead even ballooned to 22 points when Jayson Tatum made a putback layup with nine minutes remaining. However, everything unraveled in the fourth quarter.
The Celtics went 0-for-8 from deep, while Cavaliers forward Dean Wade had a remarkable performance, going 5-for-5 from beyond the arc and 7-for-7 from the field. Wade outscored the entire Celtics team 20-17 in the final frame, leading his team to an improbable comeback victory.
Mental Mistakes and Unforced Errors
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla highlighted several mental mistakes and unforced errors that plagued his team in the closing minutes of the game. He specifically mentioned offensive rebounds given up at critical moments and emphasized the need for heightened attention to detail in such situations. Mazzulla acknowledged that these mistakes had occurred before but were more glaring in a high-pressure game like this.
The Final Possession
The final possession of the game proved to be a pivotal moment. After Wade’s tip dunk gave the Cavaliers the lead, Tatum attempted a difficult stepback jumper on the right side of the lane. It initially appeared that Tatum would be bailed out by a foul called on Garland, but Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff challenged the call, and it was overturned. The referees determined that the contact made by Garland on Tatum’s leg was inadvertent due to Tatum kicking it out.
Tatum expressed his disappointment with the final possession but acknowledged that there were many other factors that contributed to the loss. The Celtics’ struggles from beyond the arc in the fourth quarter, their lowest point total in a fourth quarter this season, and being outscored by 17 points all played a role in their defeat.
A Lesson Learned
Despite the disappointment of losing their impressive winning streak, Brown emphasized the importance of viewing this loss as a lesson. He stressed the need to analyze the game film and address the team’s shortcomings. Brown highlighted the significance of developing good habits and maintaining a strong mentality in every game, as wasting possessions and time on the court can be detrimental to success.
Looking Ahead
With their win streak snapped, the Celtics now turn their attention to a potential NBA Finals preview against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night. This loss serves as a wake-up call for the team, reminding them of the importance of staying focused and disciplined throughout the game. The Celtics will undoubtedly use this defeat as motivation to bounce back stronger in their upcoming matchups.