Tatum Explodes for 33 as Celtics Take Commanding 3-1 Series Lead Over Cavaliers
The Boston Celtics tightened their grip on the Eastern Conference Semifinals with a hard-fought 109-102 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night. Despite facing a depleted Cavs team missing key players, the Celtics found themselves in a close battle until pulling away late.
Jayson Tatum emerged as the hero for Boston, exploding for a team-high 33 points. He provided a consistent scoring threat throughout the game, keeping the Celtics afloat when their offense sputtered. Jaylen Brown chipped in with a solid 27 points, showcasing his own offensive prowess.
The Cavaliers, playing without several key players due to injury, put up a valiant effort. However, their depleted roster ultimately proved a challenge to overcome. LeBron James, watching from the sidelines, could only offer moral support as his team battled against a more complete Celtics squad.
Boston Starts Slow, Heats Up Later
The Celtics initially struggled to find their rhythm, allowing the shorthanded Cavs to hang around. Their offense sputtered early, and they seemed to be searching for an offensive spark. However, Tatum stepped up, keeping Boston in the game with his scoring outbursts.
Defense Wins Championships (This Time)
While the Celtics offense wasn’t firing on all cylinders, their defense proved to be the backbone of their victory. They clamped down on the Cavs, making it difficult for them to generate consistent offense. This defensive pressure ultimately wore down the shorthanded Cavaliers, paving the way for a Boston win.
Series Shifts Back to Boston with Celtics Holding Match Point
With this victory, the Celtics take a commanding 3-1 lead in the series. The momentum is clearly in their favor as they head back to Boston for Game 5. The Cavaliers face an uphill battle, needing to win three straight games to advance. Can they overcome the odds and force a Game 7, or will the Celtics close out the series on their home court?
