Without Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, the Celtics almost pulled off a giant upset in Cleveland, but eventuall lost in the final minutes to the Cavaliers 115-111.
Heading into the fourth quarter, Boston held a 12-point lead with everything clicking. Jayson Tatum — who would finish with 33 points (12-of-27 from the field, 4-of-9 from behind the arc), eight rebounds, and four assists — was punishing defenders in isolation. Kristaps Porzingis (21 points, 8 rebounds) hit three three-pointers and dominated in the post. Payton Pritchard followed up his strong NBA Cup performance in Chicago scored at all three levels and finished with 24 points.
However, in the clutch, it was all about Donovan Mitchell. With the Celtics nursing a five point lead with just over four minutes to go, the Cavaliers’ MVP candidate hit four straight shots including three from distance to close out the Celtics.
A free throw contest wrapped up the final seconds, but Boston’s comeback in the clutch would be thwarted when Payton Pritchard crossed the free throw line before his intentional miss hit the rim in the closing seconds.
The Cavaliers maintain the top spot in the East at 18-3 with the Celtics trailing at a game and a half at 16-4. Boston will wrap up a back-to-back tomorrow night against the Heat at TD Garden to start a four-game homestand. The two top conference contenders won’t meet again until February 4tn in Cleveland.
