The Boston Celtics blew a 21-point third-quarter lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers, but were able to hold on to eke out a 117-115 victory on Sunday. Payton Pritchard scored 42 points, and Jaylen Brown had a triple-double to lead the Celtics. For the Cavaliers, it was their third straight loss.
An Epic Finish
Boston led by seven at the half and stretched the lead to 21 points in the third quarter. Cleveland slowly whittled away at the lead, but the Celtics still led by 11 points with less than 2 minutes left in the game. The Cavs kept fighting, though, and soon, back-to-back three-pointers by Cleveland guard Donovan Mitchell brought the score to 114-112 with 20 seconds left.
Pritchard hit two free throws to put Boston up four with 5.9 seconds left, but Darius Garland buried a 27-foot 3-pointer from the right wing to cut the lead to one, 116-115. The Cavs fouled Brown on the ensuing inbounds pass, and Brown made one of two from the free-throw line with 0.7 seconds on the clock. Evan Mobley’s heave fell short at the buzzer for the Cavs, and Boston escaped with the 117-115 road win.
Pritchard and Brown Lead Celtics
Pritchard’s season-high 42 points came one night after Brown went for 41 against the Minnesota Timberwolves in a losing effort. Brown did not shoot as well on Sunday, going just 3-of-13 from the field, but he still managed a triple-double with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists.
Jordan Walsh pitched in a career-high 14 points and 11 rebounds, and Anfernee Simons contributed 18 points off the bench. Center Neemias Queta (ankle) and Guard Derrick White (calf) both sat out Sunday’s game due to load management issues related to their recent injuries.
Mobley and Garland Pace Shorthanded Cavs
Mobley led the Cavaliers with 27 points and 14 rebounds, and Garland added 21 points and 8 assists. Mitchell had 18 points, 8 assists, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals. Jaylon Tyson, starting in place of Jarrett Allen, contributed 17 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. Cleveland was also without guards Max Strus, Lonzo Ball, and Sam Merrill, as well as Forward Larry Nance Jr.
What’s Up Next?
The win takes the Celtics to 11-9 on the season. Boston will host the New York Knicks (13-6) on Tuesday night. Cleveland falls to 12-9 with the loss. Up next for the Cavaliers is a trip to Indiana for a matchup against the 4-16 Pacers.
