Jayson Tatum scored 33 points as the Celtics defeated the severely short-handed Cavaliers 109-102 in Game 4, taking a commanding 3-1 lead in their Eastern Conference semifinal series.
Jaylen Brown contributed 27 points for the Celtics, who can close out Cleveland with a win in Game 5 on Wednesday night at home. If necessary, Game 6 would be back at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Friday.
With LeBron James watching from a courtside seat, the Cavs faced the brink of elimination with two top players, Donovan Mitchell (calf) and Jarrett Allen (ribs), sidelined by injuries.
3-1 LEAD Boston Celtics' Jaylen Brown jumps for a fadeaway against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game 4 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series. The Celtics beat the depleted Cavs, 109-102, and took a commanding 3-1 lead. BOSTON CELTICS PHOTO
Darius Garland led the Cavs with 30 points, while Evan Mobley and Caris LeVert each scored 19. Despite their efforts, the Cavs trailed by 10 going into the fourth quarter.
In the West, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 22 of his game-high 34 points in the second half as the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Dallas Mavericks 100-96 on Monday, evening their conference semifinal series at two wins apiece.
Chet Holmgren added 18 points, nine rebounds and four blocks, while Luguentz Dort scored 17 points and Jalen Williams had 14 points and nine boards for Oklahoma City, which closed the game on a 20-10 run. Game 5 will be played on Wednesday in Oklahoma City.
P.J. Washington led Dallas with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Luka Doncic added a triple-double with 18 points, 12 boards and 10 dimes, Derrick Jones Jr. scored 17 points, and Daniel Gafford added 10 points.
Comments