The Boston Celtics strengthened their position in the Eastern Conference race Sunday afternoon, pulling away for a 109–98 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers behind a balanced offensive effort.
Jaylen Brown led Boston with 23 points, adding nine rebounds and eight assists, while Jayson Tatum scored 20 points in his second game back from a torn right Achilles. Tatum played 27 minutes, shooting 6 of 16 from the field, and added six points in the fourth quarter to help seal the win.
Boston took control early and never looked back. Tatum scored 14 points in his first 12 minutes, helping the Celtics build a 48–29 lead in the second quarter. The advantage grew to 56–35 later in the period on two free throws from Brown as Cleveland struggled from long range, making just 2 of 22 three-point attempts in the first half.
The Celtics extended the margin to 81–55 in the third quarter, effectively putting the game away and completing a three-game season sweep of Cleveland.
Payton Pritchard added 18 points, including a key three-pointer during Cleveland’s fourth-quarter push, while Baylor Scheierman finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Neemias Queta grabbed 11 rebounds as Boston moved within three games of the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons.
The Cavaliers mounted a late rally behind Donovan Mitchell, who scored 30 points in his return from a groin strain. Evan Mobley added 24 points and eight rebounds, and James Harden had 19 points and 10 assists.
Cleveland cut the deficit to 94–86 midway through the fourth quarter after a three-pointer from Jaylon Tyson, but Pritchard quickly answered with a three of his own and followed with back-to-back baskets to restore Boston’s double-digit lead.
The Cavaliers were without center Jarrett Allen, who continues to recover from a right knee injury. Head coach Kenny Atkinson said Allen is “trending better.”
Boston will also be without center Nikola Vucevic for at least a month after he underwent surgery Saturday to repair a fractured right ring finger.
Up next: The Celtics continue their three-game road trip Tuesday when they visit the San Antonio Spurs. Cleveland returns home Monday night to host the Philadelphia 76ers.
