The Celtics capped off their two-game miniseries with the Cleveland Cavaliers with a win on Thursday night, defeating the Cavs 116-107, clinching the season series.
With the win, the Celtics advanced to 12-0 at home this season, equaling their longest streak of consecutive home victories to start a season since the 2007-08 season. It also marks the fourth time in franchise history that Boston has started a season 12-0 at home.
A fast start was all Boston needed. Jayson Tatum found a cutting Jrue Holiday on the first possession of the game, setting the tone for the Celtics, who outscored Cleveland 33-24 in the first quarter while shooting 12-of-20 (60%) from the field and 6-of-10 (60%) from deep.
Holiday’s deuce also gave Boston a lead they would never surrender, as Cleveland never held a lead.
All five Celtics starters finished in double-figures scoring. Jayson Tatum led the way, notching his second consecutive double-double, scoring a team-high 27 points and snagging 11 boards, also a team-high. It was Tatum’s 10th double-double of the season. He is one of just 22 players across the league with at least 10 double-doubles.
Jaylen Brown, who was questionable entering the game with an ankle sprain, finished with 22 points on 10-of-20 (50%) shooting, grabbed five boards, and dished out a team-high five assists. The 27-year-old has shot over 50% in each of his last four games. For all the heat Brown has caught this season, he has been fantastic for the Celtics.
Boston’s starters combined for 96 points, advancing to 11-0 when they combine for at least 95 points.
As a team, the Celtics shot 43-of-85 (50.6%) from the field, marking the ninth time this season the Celtics have shot 50% or better – all nine have been at home. Additionally, 22 of their 43 makes (51.1%) were assisted, as the ball was flowing freely all night.
Donovan Mitchell poured in a game-high 31 points for the visitors in the setback.
Here are three takeaways as the Celtics advance to 18-5.
Overcame another ugly third quarter
Once again, the third quarter was an issue for the Celtics.
After jumping out to an 11-point lead at the half, the lead was down to just three entering the fourth quarter.
Boston was outscored 33-25 in the third quarter, as their defense struggled to contain Caris LeVert (15 third-quarter points) and the Cavaliers in isolation.
Third quarters have been a consistent issue for the Celtics for years, one that continues to put them in tough situations.
The Celtics in the third quarter currently rank 21st in net rating (-2.1), 29th in offensive rating (105.8), and are a -14.
Thankfully, their late-game execution has been much better this season, as the Celtics picked up their ninth clutch victory of the season, advancing to 9-4 in clutch finishes.
Tatum exploded for 12 fourth-quarter points with his aggressiveness getting downhill, and the Celtics’ defense held Cleveland to just 20 points as Boston once again slammed the door shut despite 3-of-13 (23.1%) from distance.
Al Horford continues to be a difference-maker
Horford has been an X-factor for the Celtics this season. At 37 years old, Horford continues to make the right play over and over again for the Celtics.
The 16-year vet finished with seven points, three assists, and 10 rebounds – his fourth double-digit rebound game of the season.
“He’s overly reliable at everything,” Jrue Holiday said postgame. “If it’s a three-point shot late in the game, if it’s an offensive rebound, if it’s a stop on defense, he always makes these great plays. A lot of the time you don’t see it on the stat sheet, but for the team it affects us, it gives us energy and life. Al is Mr.Reliable.”
Horford’s impact was on full display Thursday night. Early in the fourth quarter, Horford made a hustle play to grab an offensive rebound, then dropped a dime to Lamar Stevens on a back door cut that led to an easy slam and injected life into the TD Garden crowd.
“His competitive desire and his willingness to be a great teammate is massive for us,” Joe Mazzulla said postgame. “You just know what you are getting every single night. Regardless of if he’s coming off the bench or if he’s starting, you know exactly what you’re getting.”
Nobody has embraced the idea of sacrifice more than Horford, who continues to show why he is the ultimate professional.
Lamar Stevens sees meaningful minutes
When Luke Kornet was scratched due to left adductor tightness right after the opening tip-off, and with Neemias Queta inactive, an opportunity arose for Stevens.
Entering Thursday night, Stevens had seen just 21 minutes, and most came in garbage time, with the exception of a short stint against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Stevens didn’t make much of an imprint in the first quarter, receiving three fouls in just three minutes, two of which were a little questionable.
However, the ex-Cavalier seized another opportunity in the fourth quarter, leaving his mark. The 26-year-old made a significant impact defensively, registering a block and a steal in his 5:32 of fourth quarter action. Stevens also deserves some credit for the cut that led to the aforementioned slam on the dish from Horford.
“I thought he gave us some good minutes,” Mazzulla said postgame. “A good presence, physicality, got an offensive rebound, a dunk in transition, those small momentum games that keep the game going. He did a good job stepping in.”
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