CLEVELAND — Inconsistency has been a major theme of the Cleveland Cavaliers' 2023-24 season. On Saturday night, inconsistencies, including shooting struggles, were present once again as the team fell to the Boston Celtics 106-93 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
However, one thing did remain consistent for the Cavs—the superstar performance of Donovan Mitchell, who scored 33 points, including seven three-pointers. Unfortunately for the Cavaliers, a lackluster effort led to shooting woes for many of the team's starters.
Both teams got off to a firing start in the first quarter, going shot for shot in front of an electric crowd at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Mitchell opened the game with back-to-back threes.
The three-point shooting continued for the Cavaliers, but, the Celtics matched their energy by draining five 3-pointers as well. The first quarter also marked the return of Cavaliers forward Dean Wade, who appeared in his first game since March 8. Moments after taking the court, Wade hit an immediate three-pointer.
While both teams played similarly in the first quarter, the Celtics took full advantage of six Cavs turnovers. In addition, the Cavaliers seemed to struggle to get in the paint and defend the Celtics from beyond the arc, leading Boston to a 30-28 lead at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Celtics began to find their offensive rhythm that was absent in Game 2, taking a nine-point lead (47-38) with five minutes left in the second quarter. The Celtics shot an impressive 53.7% from the field in the first half, including double-digit performances from Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday.
While Mitchell continued his hot streak in the second quarter, there was one apparent difference from Game 2, aside from the lack of other players, including Darius Garland, Max Strus and Issac Okoro, who struggled to find their shooting touch. The Celtics continued to pull away, holding a 57-48 lead at halftime.
During the first half, Mitchell became just the third player in Cavs playoff history to make six or more three-pointers in a single half.
The Celtics came out firing out of the gates after halftime, going on a 14-0 run against the Cavs, taking over a 20-point lead (71-48) just three minutes into the third quarter.
The Cavaliers attempted to mount a comeback but remained unsuccessful as the Celtics held an 84-69 lead going into the fourth quarter.
In the final quarter, the Cavaliers showed an immediate sense of urgency and a burst of energy, as an Evan Mobley bucket cut the Celtics' lead down to nine points. All in all, the Celtics' offense could not be contained as they held onto the victory.
The Celtics were led by Tatum with 33 points and Brown with 28.
The Cavaliers will have a chance to even out the series on Monday night when they take on the Celtics in Game 4 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.
