CLEVELAND — (AP) Jayson Tatum scored 32 points and the Boston Celtics defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 112-106 in a matchup of short-handed teams.
The Celtics were missing starters Kemba Walker, Jaylen Brown and Gordon Hayward while the Cavaliers played without starters Andre Drumnond and rookie Darius Garland, while also losing rookie swingman Kevin Porter Jr. to a head injury in the first half.
Collin Sexton scored a career-high 41 points for Cleveland, helping the team actually take the lead midway through the fourth quarter. But Boston was able to pull away late, thanks in-part to a clutch performance from the All-Star Tatum (five 3-pointers, nine rebounds, six assists).
Celtics forward Semi Ojeleye scored a career-high 22 points. Kevin Love had 26 points and 14 rebounds for Cleveland, and Larry Nance Jr. had 19 points and 15 rebounds.
The Cavs, who have now lost four in a row, will host the Denver Nuggets Saturday night.
