Source : The Canadian Press
The Boston Celtics faced an unexpected challenge against the Cleveland Cavaliers despite their depleted lineup. With Jayson Tatum's 33-point performance, the Celtics secured a hard-fought 109-102 victory in Game 4, seizing a commanding 3-1 series lead.
Jaylen Brown's 27 points also contributed to their success. The Celtics can advance with a win in Game 5. Despite the Cavaliers' resilience, missing key players like Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen, the Celtics managed to hold on. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff commended his team's effort but acknowledged the tough situation.
Tatum, with 11 rebounds and five assists, showcased his versatility. Darius Garland led the Cavaliers with 30 points, supported by Evan Mobley and Caris LeVert. While Cleveland stayed competitive, Boston's crucial plays down the stretch secured the win. Brown's late 3-pointer alleviated pressure, despite a collision with an official.
The Cavaliers lamented the free throw disparity, with only seven attempts compared to Boston's 24. LeBron James, observing from courtside, received a warm welcome in his former arena, fueling speculation about his future. Mitchell's absence due to injury hindered Cleveland's efforts. Although Boston missed Kristaps Porzingis, they displayed resilience. The series heads back to Boston for Game 5, where the Celtics aim to close out the series and advance to the next round.
