BOSTON SPECIAL: 3 Celtics takeaways from Game 1 beatdown over Cavs

May 8, 2024 Michael Mills NBA, Basketball 0

The Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers had seen 11 out of their previous 12 encounters decided by a margin of fewer than ten points leading up to Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. However, in a surprising turn of events on Tuesday night, Boston dominated Cleveland with a resounding 120-95 victory, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.

While the halftime score showed only a 10-point difference, the Boston Celtics managed to outscore the Cleveland Cavaliers 61-46 in the second half of the game. Despite a strong effort from Cavs’ standout Donovan Mitchell, who scored 33 points to keep his team competitive, it was Celtics’ star Jaylen Brown who shined with 32 points in what can be considered his standout performance of the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
Celtics guard Derrick White added 25 points to the winning effort, with no Cavalier scoring more than Mitchell’s 33 points. This dominant performance by the Celtics allowed them to secure a convincing win.As the No. 1 overall seed, the Celtics will have the advantage of hosting the Cavs again for Game 2 on Thursday night. Before that matchup, let’s analyze how Boston managed to secure a blowout victory over Cleveland in Game 1 of the second round.

Jaylen Brown was exceptional

In the initial playoff round, Brown’s performance was lackluster. Despite being the leading scorer for the Celtics, the three-time All-Star struggled with an average of 3.2 turnovers per game and a poor 45% free-throw shooting percentage. However, Game 1 against the Cavs showcased a different narrative. Brown, hailing from Georgia, displayed a flawless performance by making all four of his free throws, committing just one turnover, and shooting an impressive 66.7% from the field.In essence, he stood out as the top performer on the court. While Mitchell tried to rally Cleveland, Brown consistently had a response to maintain control of the game.

Not only did he excel on the offensive end, but he also showcased his defensive prowess. In a pivotal moment with just over five minutes remaining in the third quarter, he emphatically blocked a layup attempt by Mitchell, sending the ball soaring off the backboard. Subsequently, Boston swiftly transitioned to offense, and Brown capped off the sequence with a skillful assist to guard Jrue Holiday.
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla praised Brown’s dedication and development following his outstanding performance in Game 1:“He takes immense pride in his growth as a player. Each year, every game, every day,” Mazzulla remarked. “He dedicates significant time to it. He fearlessly tackles areas he knows he can enhance, which is crucial for his continuous improvement…
There were instances where he scored in transition, and shortly after, he slowed the pace, executed in the pick-and-roll, and made the right decisions.”If Brown can maintain a similar level of play throughout the remainder of the second round, the Celtics will prove to be a formidable opponent for any team.

Celtics’ Big Men Step Up in Porzingis’ Absence

The Celtics faced a setback with the absence of center Kristaps Porzingis, who sustained a right soleus strain and may be sidelined for the entire Eastern Conference Semifinals. Stepping in for Porzingis are centers Al Horford and Luke Kornet. Horford, an experienced NBA player older than Mazzulla, has a history of consistent performance. The 37-year-old contributed seven points, eight rebounds, and four assists while starting for the team.

Luke Kornet, who averaged only 15.6 minutes per game during the 2023-24 regular season, made a significant impact in his extended role. The third-year Celtic played 21 minutes, contributing four points, two blocks, and 10 rebounds. His six offensive rebounds were just shy of Cleveland’s total of seven, showcasing his ability to make a difference on the glass.

Following the Celtics’ 25-point victory, Kornet received widespread acclaim for his performance.When asked to describe Kornet’s performance, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla praised him, saying, “Tremendous.” Mazzulla emphasized the importance of bench players contributing to the team’s success, stating that they have all played crucial roles in winning games. He highlighted Kornet’s significant impact on the game, noting that his presence was particularly significant for the Celtics in their victory.
“I thought Luke was outstanding when he entered the game,” Brown commented. “He was excellent, providing a boost to the second unit. He contested shots inside, grabbed rebounds, and made crucial plays on offense. Despite facing some injuries and challenges throughout the year, Luke has been a fantastic asset for our team, bringing a high level of energy.”With the possibility of being understaffed at center for the remainder of the series, the Celtics will rely on Kornet and his teammates to maintain this level of performance.

Derrick White continues to come through

One of the key reasons the Celtics have been such a formidable team this season is their ability to attack opponents in various ways.Just as the Cavaliers thought they had contained Celtics star Jayson Tatum, Derrick White stepped up and relentlessly torched them from all over the court. The former Division II standout connected on seven of his 12 three-point attempts and committed zero turnovers in his 33 minutes of playing time.

While casual observers may be taken aback by Derrick White’s impressive postseason performance, the Celtics are not surprised at all. He emerged as the second-highest scorer in the first round against Miami, providing crucial offensive support when Tatum and others faced challenges. “I admire the way he’s been performing on both ends of the court,” Tatum remarked. “His play adds significant pressure on the defense, not just tonight but also in the previous series. We have multiple avenues to secure a win, making it difficult for opponents to counter our strategies.

“The rapidity with which the 29-year-old can heat up underscores the Celtics’ well-rounded approach. Even when he is not the primary offensive focal point, White remains prepared to shoot or impact the game in any necessary manner for Boston.“Whatever the situation demands, he is prepared to deliver, and he has consistently done so,” Mazzulla acknowledged. “It is imperative for him to maintain this level of performance.”

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