The Cleveland Cavaliers experienced a dramatic shift in fortune Saturday night as they fell 106-93 to the Boston Celtics in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The loss came just two days after the fourth-seeded Cavs had dominated the top-seeded Celtics by 24 points on the road in Game 2.
With the defeat, the Cavaliers now trail 2-1 in the best-of-seven series, which has been marked by inconsistent performances from both teams. Game 4 is set for Monday at 7 p.m. ET in Cleveland.
All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell led the way for the Cavs, scoring 33 points on 12-of-22 shooting (54.5%) from the field, including 7 of 12 from beyond the arc. Center Evan Mobley contributed 17 points and eight rebounds, but the Cavaliers struggled to find a consistent offensive rhythm against the Celtics’ defense.
Boston’s All-Star forwards Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown proved to be the difference-makers, scoring 33 and 28 points, respectively. Point guard Jrue Holiday chipped in with 18 points, helping the heavily favored Celtics bounce back from their Game 2 loss.
The Cavaliers’ shooting woes were evident throughout the game, as they connected on just 36 of 84 (42.9%) from the field and 12 of 36 from three-point range. In contrast, the Celtics shot an efficient 41 of 80 (51.3%) from the floor and 13 of 34 from deep.
Cleveland found themselves in a 57-48 hole at halftime, and their troubles only worsened as the Celtics opened the second half with a 14-0 run. The Cavs quickly fell behind 71-48 with 9:06 remaining in the third quarter.
To make matters worse, Evan Mobley appeared to aggravate a sprained ankle he had been playing through when he landed awkwardly while pursuing a rebound with about 9:22 left in the third quarter. Mobley limped off the court and checked out of the game with 8:49 remaining in the period.
The Cavaliers managed to trim the 23-point deficit to 12 later in the third quarter, and Mobley returned to the game with 2:26 left in the period. Despite facing an 84-69 deficit entering the fourth quarter, the Cavs showed some fight, with Darius Garland and Mobley sparking a 6-0 run to start the final period. However, despite repeatedly cutting the Celtics’ lead to nine points, Cleveland was unable to complete the comeback.
As the series shifts to Game 4 on Monday, the Cavaliers will need to find a way to recapture the magic they displayed in Game 2 if they hope to even the series and avoid falling into a 3-1 hole against the formidable Celtics. The inconsistency that has plagued both teams throughout the series will undoubtedly be a focus for coaches and players alike as they prepare for the crucial upcoming matchup.
