CLEVELAND – Donovan Mitchell’s exceptional second-half performance propelled the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 115-111 victory over the Boston Celtics on Sunday night, overcoming a 14-point deficit in the third quarter. Mitchell scored 30 points in the second half alone, including a perfect 6-for-6 shooting performance in the fourth quarter, showcasing his clutch ability and leading the Cavaliers to their 18th win of the season. The win solidified Cleveland’s position as the NBA’s top team, holding a record of 18-3, ahead of the 16-4 Celtics.

The game marked a significant test for the Cavaliers, who had recently faced consecutive losses to the Atlanta Hawks. Coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged that he wanted to observe the team’s response to adversity, a challenge that was amplified by the Celtics’ absence of key players Jaylen Brown (illness) and Derrick White (foot). “That was kind of my question mark…and it looked like we were down and out that third quarter,” Atkinson stated post-game. “They were rolling, the crowd was kind of down, we were all kind of down.”

However, Mitchell’s exceptional performance proved to be the turning point. He recognized the need to take charge during the third quarter, explaining, “I kind of felt it then…when [Tatum] hit a shot over me…I was like, ‘He’s starting to get it going, they’re starting to get confidence, they’re starting to build, we’re turning it over.‘” He adopted a decisive approach in the fourth quarter, stating, “And then, when I came back in the fourth, kind of be like, ‘All right, give me the ball. It’s time to go.‘”

Mitchell’s performance included three crucial three-pointers in a 93-second span late in the fourth quarter, erasing a Boston lead and tying the game. He then secured the lead with a crucial shot with 1:07 remaining, a lead the Cavaliers held until the final buzzer. This performance drew praise from Atkinson, who commented, “That’s Donovan’s persona…He never gets down. You’d think guys would kick the chair or get frustrated. He has a great demeanor about him and never gets too down or too high.”

The Cavaliers’ strategic decision to repeatedly match their point guard, Darius Garland, against the taller Jayson Tatum also contributed to the victory. This defensive strategy disrupted Boston’s usual offensive flow, limiting Tatum’s effectiveness in the fourth quarter, despite his overall strong performance of 33 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, a steal, and a block. Tatum acknowledged the Cavaliers’ defensive adjustment, stating, “Probably the last four minutes they kind of started double-teaming…So find somebody that was open and just try and make the right play.”

Atkinson defended his decision to challenge Garland with these tough defensive matchups, stating he wants Garland to be ready for the intensity of the playoffs. Garland himself embraced the challenge, confidently stating, “I’m going to take that challenge whenever it is…I’m no punk.”

The victory served as a testament to the Cavaliers’ growth and resilience. Mitchell reflected on the team’s progress, noting, “I think that just speaks to the growth of our group…You’re just seeing the growth, and that’s the biggest thing I feel like is for us just continuing to build…if we continue to grow and continue to learn from these different things, that’s really what it’s about.” He emphasized the importance of learning from both wins and losses, highlighting the team’s ability to respond to adversity. The Cavaliers’ comeback win against the Celtics showcased their potential and provided a crucial lesson in overcoming challenges as the season progresses. The team previously started the season with an impressive 15-0 record.