Donovan Mitchell scored 35 points tonight, including 18 in the fourth quarter, including 14 consecutive Cleveland points in the final four minutes in Boston. The Celtics used a barrage of 3-pointers to open a 21-point lead, then watched the Cavs cut it to two in the third quarter. Cleveland trailed by nine, 114-105, with 90 seconds left before Mitchell hit a floater and then another layup to cut the deficit to five points. With Boston leading 117-110 and 25 seconds left, Mitchell hit a rainbow 3-pointer. After Jayson Tatum, who scored 33 points, hit one of two free throws, the Celtics star hit Mitchell as he tried to steal the ball. Mitchell was helped on the court for a few minutes, but the play was not reviewed to determine whether it was a potential flagrant foul that would have given the Cavaliers a pair of free throws and the ball. On the throw-in after the Cavaliers guard’s free throws, Boston eluded the pressure for a quick foul, and won with Horford’s dunk.
Boston – Cleveland 120-117. Boxscore: 33p+12r Tatum, 20 Horford, 19 White, 17 Brown, 13 Pritchard, 11 Holiday per i Celtics; 35 Mitchell, 22p+11r Mobley, 15 Porter Jr., 11 Niang, 10p+11r Allen, 10 Jerome per i Cavalierswho end their initial unbeaten streak in the championship at 15 wins.
