CLEVELAND — The Celtics just know how to win road playoff games, and while it wasn’t a perfectly dominant win, they were more than good enough to win. The C’s beat the Cavaliers 106-93 on Saturday at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, executing down the stretch to close out the victory.
The Celtics now take the 2-1 series lead in the East semifinals over the Cavaliers. Not only do they take control of the series and home-court advantage, but they can keep putting the pressure on the Cavs with Game 4 set for Monday.
While Jayson Tatum has struggled with his efficiency recently, it didn’t look like an issue early on as he looked his most aggressive these playoffs. That helped set the tone as Tatum and Cavs star Donovan Mitchell both poured it on to start the game.
Then it was Jrue Holiday’s turn to make an impact as he scored 15 points in the first half. It’s been a struggle offensively at times for the former All-Star guard, but he stepped up early on. So while Mitchell had 23 points by halftime, the Celtics held a 57-48 lead at the break.
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The Celtics almost blew the game open in the opening minutes of the second half, ambushing the Cavs by going on a 14-0 run. While the Celtics built a 23-point lead, their offense cooled from there. There were certainly some nervous Celtics fans when the Cavs cut it to a nine-point game at the start of the fourth quarter. But the C’s never let them get closer than that Saturday as they shut the door on any comeback attempt.
Tatum had 33 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Celtics. Jaylen Brown added an efficient 28 points on 13-for-17 shooting; Holiday finished with 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Mitchell poured in 33 points while big man Evan Mobley had 17 points and eight rebounds for the Cavs.
Game 4 of the East semis is set for 7 p.m. Monday in Cleveland. Here are four takeaways from Boston’s win over Cleveland:
Finishing the win: The Celtics had the opportunity to completely close the door on the Cavs when they went up huge at the start of the third quarter. But then their offense went cold, mustering up just six points in more than six minutes of action, allowing the Cavs to cut into the lead. When Cleveland had it within a nine-point game and the crowd rocking, the Celtics were back on their heels. But, even though it wasn’t exactly a clutch-game scenario, the C’s executed their way to the win. Notably, the Cavs never got closer than that nine-point deficit as the C’s took care of the win.
Bouncing back: Tatum heard plenty of criticism after Game 2 as his efficiency has suffered these playoffs. He shrugged away those concerns, saying shots sometimes don’t fall even for the best players in the world. Tatum looked like his aggressive self right from tipoff Saturday in Game 3, and the Celtics needed all the contribution they can get from their best player. Tatum finished with 33 points, 13 rebounds and six assists Saturday. It wasn’t a perfect night, like the five turnovers, but it was more than enough for the Celtics in the win.
Road warriors: For as much as the Celtics have struggled at home playoff games in the past three years, they just keep getting it done on the road. They’re now a perfect 3-0 away from TD Garden these playoffs, handing the Cavs their first home loss of the postseason. Not only that, but the Celtics have done so in dominant fashion despite facing hostile crowds. Cleveland should get credit, too, as Cavs fans created a solid home atmosphere Saturday. But the Celtics just keep winning road playoff games.
Allergic to the clutch: The Celtics continue to avoid playing in any close playoff games. Through eight postseason games, they have yet to play in the clutch once. They either blow out their opponents or get blown out. While it doesn’t necessarily have to be a good or bad thing — especially since they’re now 6-2 in the playoffs — it is something to keep an eye on going forward. But for now, the Celtics will take the 2-1 series lead into Game 4.
