By The Associated Press’s Tom Withers
Cleveland The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Celtics 115-111 on Sunday night, ending Boston’s seven-game winning streak. It was the second close game between the top teams in the Eastern Conference this season, with Donovan Mitchell scoring 20 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter.
Mitchell helped the Cavaliers overcome a 12-point hole by making all six of their field goals, including four 3-pointers in the fourth quarter. After shooting just 2 of 8 from the field in the first half, the All-Star guard scored 30 points in the second half.
Cleveland gained some retribution against Boston after the reigning NBA champions gave the Cavaliers their first defeat on November 19 after a 15-0 start, thanks to 22 points by Darius Garland.
The Celtics led 93-81 in the fourth quarter until Mitchell took control, led by 33 points from Jayson Tatum and 24 from Payton Pritchard. Boston added 21 points from Kristaps Porzingis.
Derrick White (foot sprain) and Jaylen Brown (illness) were the Celtics’ two starters.
On Sunday, December 1, 2024, in Cleveland, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, guard Donovan Mitchell (45) of the Cleveland Cavaliers makes a basket in front of forward Jayson Tatum (0) of the Boston Celtics. (Photo by Sue Ogrocki/AP)
Takeaways
Celtics: Their offensive balance and range of outside shooters cause them a lot of trouble, even when they are shorthanded.
Cavaliers: Mitchell recovered from a recent shooting slump (he shot 5 of 23 in a loss to Atlanta on Friday) by making every crucial play in the closing minutes, demonstrating why he is among the league’s top all-around players.
Key moment
With five seconds remaining with Boston behind 113-110, Pritchard made his first free shot but purposefully missed his second in the hopes of grabbing a long rebound. But he was penalized for entering the lane too soon, which allowed Cleveland to regain possession of the ball. Mitchell subsequently made two free throws to seal the victory.
Key stat
Mitchell had only shot forty percent (42 of 104) in his previous five outings.
Up Next
The Cavaliers host Washington on Tuesday, while the Celtics host Miami on Monday to start a run of four home games in six nights.
https://apnews.com/hub/nba is the AP NBA.
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