The Cleveland Cavaliers lost their first game in the series against the Boston Celtics 95-120. While the Celtics were expected to win this game, it was still an overall disappointing performance for Cleveland. With one team looking drastically more experienced than the other, here’s a look back as the Cavaliers lose Game 1 in Boston.
With Jarrett Allen still out, the Cavaliers went with a starting lineup of Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Isaac Okoro, Max Strus and Evan Mobley.
Mitchell, scoring 33 points with six rebounds and five assists, continues to be the primary producer for this team. He also shot an efficient 48.0 percent from the field.
Mobley also had a strong night, with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Making eight of his 12 shot attempts, Mobley had one of the better performances (statistically) of his postseason experience.
Garland chipped in 14 points, with three rebounds and five assists, and Okoro scored 11.
Jalen Brown finished with a team high 32 points, with six rebounds and two assists while shooting 66.7 percent from the field.
Derrick White was the team’s next highest scorer with 25 points and five assists.
Jason Tatum posted an 18 point, 11 rebound double-double. Payton Prichard scored 16, and Jrue Holiday scored 14.
The Celtics were able to spread their scoring across their roster, and this proved to be difficult as the Cavaliers seemed to lose their focus as the game progressed.
The Cavaliers were outplayed tonight, plain and simple. They were outscored, out rebounded, out-assisted with fewer blocks and a worse field goal percentage.
While the Cavaliers did manage to take the lead early, overcoming a deficit, the Celtics quickly cut Cleveland’s momentum and regained the lead. The Cavs didn’t lead for the rest of the game, and their biggest advantage was two points while Boston’s was 26.
The Cavs will need to get their scoring from more than one or two places, as the concentration of scorers on the roster only makes things easier for the Celtics.
On a positive note, the Cavs scored more second chance and fast break points, while scoring as many points in the paint (42). While Boston undoubtedly looked like the more seasoned team, these numbers indicate at least that the Cavaliers can at least get their hustle points.
Cleveland entered halftime down 10, a position they’ve found themselves in before during this postseason. By the time the second half got underway, however, it was apparent which team was in control of the game.
The Celtics are heavy favorites to win this series, and tonight the Cavaliers didn’t do anything to dispel that notion. If Cleveland wants to prove the NBA world wrong, they’re going to need to tighten up their game on both ends of the floor.
Game two tips off this Thursday at 7:00 pm in Boston.
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Featured photo courtesy of NBA.com
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