The Boston Celtics defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 120-95 on Tuesday, taking a 1-0 lead in their best-of-seven NBA playoff series.
The combined 57 points of Jaylen Brown and Derrick White let the Celtics win against the Cavs.
Brown led Boston with 32 points with 6 rebounds and 2 assists while White’s 25-point performance includes 7 three-pointers. Jayson Tatum contributed 18 points but struggled to shoot, going 7-of-19 from the field.
Moreover, Brown believes the Celtics’ defence laid the foundation for the team’s victory.
Boston raced off to a strong start, leading 12-2 in the first quarter before Cleveland rallied to take a 23-21 lead following Mitchell’s running three-pointer.
However, Boston acted quickly, regaining the lead and never letting Cleveland lead.
Boston maintained its 10-point advantage at halftime and extended it to a 26-point lead in the fourth quarter as they cruised to a comfortable victory.
Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland in scoring with 33 points, while Evan Mobley added 17 and Darius Garland had 14.
Game 2 will take place in Boston on Thursday.