Donovan Mitchell delivered a playoff-level performance, scoring 41 points to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a thrilling 123-116 comeback victory over the Boston Celtics on Friday night. The Cavaliers, now 49-10 and atop the Eastern Conference, erased a 22-point deficit to stun the Celtics in their final regular-season meeting.
Mitchell was unstoppable in the fourth quarter, scoring 12 of his 41 points to seal the win. His clutch three-point play with under two minutes left gave Cleveland a five-point lead, effectively putting the game out of reach.
Darius Garland added 20 points and seven assists, while Evan Mobley recorded his 27th double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds. The Cavaliers’ balanced attack proved too much for Boston, despite a heroic effort from Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Tatum finished with 46 points, 16 rebounds, and nine assists, while Brown added 37 points. It marked the first time this season Boston’s star duo both scored 30-plus points in the same game.
The Celtics started strong, racing to a 25-3 lead in the first quarter. However, Cleveland responded with a 41-22 run to close the gap, showcasing their resilience and depth.
Boston played without starters Jrue Holiday (finger) and Kristaps Porzingis (illness), but their absence didn’t diminish the significance of the Cavaliers’ victory. For Cleveland, the win serves as a mental boost after losing to Boston in last season’s playoffs.
The Cavaliers’ ability to overcome adversity and execute down the stretch highlights their growth as a contender. Meanwhile, the Celtics, now 18-11 at home, will need to address their late-game execution as the playoffs approach.
With the postseason just over two months away, this game could be a preview of a thrilling Eastern Conference Finals. Both teams showcased their strengths, but it was Mitchell and the Cavaliers who emerged victorious.
