Eastern Conference Rivalry
The Eastern Conference semifinals feature a matchup between the top-seeded Celtics and the Cavaliers, who advanced from a grueling seven-game series against the Magic in the first round. Donovan Mitchell and Jaylen Brown, long-time friends since high school and former teammates on Team USA during the 2019 FIBA World Cup, find themselves on opposite sides of the playoff battle. Despite their friendship, both players are prepared to set it aside once they step onto the court.
Competitive Spirit
When asked about facing his friend Mitchell, Brown stated, “You just gotta be ready to play, there are no friends in the playoffs.”
Mitchell echoed similar sentiments, saying, “I’m going to put everything I have into the game and play my best. It’s great to compete against friends. I know it’s going to be tough playing against them, but it’s going to be fun. I’m excited. When I know I might be playing against them, I don’t talk to them.”
Impressive Performances
In the seven-game series against the Magic, Mitchell averaged 28.7 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists per game, including scoring 50 and 39 points in Games 6 and 7, respectively, to help the Cavaliers advance to the second round. Meanwhile, Brown averaged 22.8 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists in the Celtics’ five-game series against the Heat.
As both players are shooting guards, this series is expected to feature numerous matchups between them, and their performances will undoubtedly impact the outcome of the series.
Downpour of Three-Pointers! Celtics Cruise to 25-Point Victory Over Cavaliers
After a grueling seven-game series against the Magic, the Cavaliers faced off against the Celtics in Boston. Despite Donovan Mitchell’s stellar performance with 33 points, the Celtics overwhelmed the Cavaliers with an impressive team effort, scoring 18 three-pointers collectively and securing a convincing 120-95 victory to take the lead in the series.
Early Dominance by Celtics
Led by Brown’s early offensive outburst, scoring 9 points in just 4 minutes, the Celtics established a 10-point lead with tight team defense. While the Cavaliers gradually regained their shooting touch, the Celtics maintained a lead of 40-34 at the end of the first quarter.
Expanding the Lead
In the second quarter, the Celtics intensified their defensive pressure, holding the Cavaliers scoreless for nearly 5 minutes and extending their lead with fast-paced offense. Despite Isaac Okoro’s hot shooting for the Cavaliers, the Celtics relied on their balanced team effort to finish the first half with a 59-49 lead.
Second Half Dominance
In the second half, the Celtics’ guards, Jrue Holiday and Derrick White, continued their onslaught from beyond the arc, widening the point differential. Although Mitchell scored 16 points in the quarter, the Celtics’ bench players, Payton Pritchard and Luke Kornet, stabilized the game, helping the team enter the fourth quarter with a commanding 92-77 lead.
Closing out the Game
In the fourth quarter, the Celtics continued to dominate, extending their lead to 26 points and entering garbage time. Both teams substituted their bench players to run out the clock, and the Celtics secured an easy 120-95 victory to take the lead in the series.
Balanced Scoring
Five Celtics players scored in double digits, with Brown leading the team with 32 points and White contributing 25 points with 7 three-pointers. Jayson Tatum added 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Pritchard scored 16 points and Holiday contributed 14 points and 6 rebounds.
Cavaliers’ Efforts
On the Cavaliers’ side, Mitchell led with 33 points, followed by Evan Mobley with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Darius Garland contributed 14 points and 5 assists, while Isaac Okoro added 11 points. (LODIBET)