Introduction
When the Boston Celtics face the Cleveland Cavaliers, it’s not just any regular-season NBA game. These two teams bring serious energy to the court, and fans expect intensity from the opening tip to the final buzzer. But while the final score is important, the boston celtics vs cleveland cavaliers match player stats tell the deeper story.
Player stats help show who stepped up, who struggled, and how each player’s performance shaped the game. Did the Celtics’ stars shine bright? Did the Cavaliers’ defense hold strong? The answers live inside the box score—not just the scoreboard.
This article dives deep into the data and highlights of the game. Whether you’re a die-hard NBA fan or just want a better way to understand the game, we’ve made it simple, friendly, and easy to follow. Let’s take a closer look at which players made big plays, and what their numbers tell us about the battle between Boston and Cleveland.
Game Recap: A Classic Eastern Conference Battle
Right from the jump, this game had the feel of a playoff matchup. The Celtics came out strong, moving the ball well and hitting early shots. The Cavaliers responded with hustle and solid defense, fighting for every rebound.
By halftime, the game was close, with both teams trading leads. The third quarter saw a Celtics scoring run led by their stars, but the Cavs kept it close with a few deep shots and inside drives.
In the fourth, Boston’s teamwork and defense carried them through. They made key stops, hit timely threes, and controlled the clock. Cleveland tried to rally late, but it wasn’t quite enough.
The final score doesn’t tell the full story, but the Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers match player stats certainly do. Let’s look at who stood out—and why.
Jayson Tatum’s Standout Night
Jayson Tatum once again proved why he’s one of the best in the league. He finished with 32 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. He also added a steal and blocked one shot. Whether he was attacking the rim or shooting deep threes, he was locked in.
Tatum combined skill and calm under pressure. His ability to score in different ways—step-back threes, post-ups, and coast-to-coast layups—kept Cleveland’s defense guessing.
Looking at the match player stats, it’s clear Tatum led with more than just scoring. He set the tone, played solid defense, and helped move the ball to open teammates.
Jaylen Brown’s Energy Played a Big Role
Jaylen Brown brought speed, strength, and smart basketball to the game. He ended the night with 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. But it wasn’t just his scoring—it was the timing.
Brown hit big shots in tight moments, especially late in the second quarter and again in the fourth during a Celtics run. He pushed the pace on fast breaks and played tight defense on Cleveland’s top guards.
The Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers match player stats show that Brown’s hustle and confidence helped Boston build momentum every time the Cavs tried to catch up.
Derrick White’s Efficiency and Two-Way Impact
Derrick White may not get the same spotlight as Tatum or Brown, but he remains a key part of Boston’s success. He had 14 points, 6 assists, and 2 blocks, while shooting over 50% from the field.
He played smart, rarely turned the ball over, and helped anchor the defense. One of his underrated advantages is his timing—whether it’s challenging a shot, driving to the lane, or making the right pass.
If you’re studying the match player stats, White’s contributions don’t jump off the screen, but they’re game-changers. He made a difference on both sides of the court.
Al Horford’s Leadership and Rebounding
Al Horford keeps showing why experience matters. In this game, he recorded 11 rebounds, 9 points, and 2 blocks. He stretched the floor with a three-pointer and made several important stops on defense.
His ability to communicate with teammates on defense helped the Celtics stay in sync. Offensively, even if he didn’t score much, he set screens and made smart passes at the right times.
Looking through the Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers match player stats, Horford’s veteran presence shines through. He keeps things steady—even when the game gets chaotic.
Darius Garland’s Playmaking for Cleveland
Darius Garland was Cleveland’s offensive spark. He tallied 28 points, 8 assists, and 2 steals. He controlled the pace, broke down the defense, and even hit several deep three-point shots.
Despite the loss, Garland showed leadership and confidence. He attacked mismatches, found his teammates in transition, and played with great rhythm for most of the game.
Among all the match player stats, Garland stood out as Cleveland’s top performer. His ability to create plays under pressure kept the Cavs in striking distance late in the game.
Evan Mobley’s Presence in the Paint
Evan Mobley had a quiet but solid game. He ended with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Defensively, he challenged shots at the rim and helped slow down the Celtics’ inside scoring.
What stood out was Mobley’s help defense. He rotated well, boxed out consistently, and even grabbed a few offensive rebounds to give his team second chances.
In the Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers match player stats, Mobley’s numbers didn’t explode—but he had clear defensive impact. He’s growing fast, and this game was another step forward.
Donovan Mitchell’s Struggles Against Boston’s Defense
Donovan Mitchell had a bit of an off game. He finished with 19 points, but shot under 40% from the field and struggled to find clean looks. Boston’s defense made things difficult.
They switched often, used length to challenge shots, and stayed tight on him outside the arc. Mitchell had a few great drives and even a highlight dunk, but couldn’t find rhythm consistently.
The match player stats reveal how well Boston’s defenders adapted to slow down Cleveland’s top scorer.
Bench Contributions on Both Sides
The Celtics’ bench played smart and stayed ready. Sam Hauser chipped in with 8 points, while Payton Pritchard brought energy and speed in key minutes. Their scoring didn’t go wild, but they kept the pressure up.
Cleveland also had solid support from the bench. Caris LeVert scored 13 points and created opportunities with drives and quick passes. He brought life to the offense in the second quarter.
When we look at the match player stats, bench units didn’t take over the game—but they gave their teams valuable breathing room when stars rested.
Rebounding, Turnovers, and Hustle Stats
The Celtics finished with 45 rebounds, compared to Cleveland’s 41, giving them just enough of an edge. Boston also forced 14 Cavaliers turnovers, converting many of them into fast-break points.
Boston had only 9 turnovers, showing control and smart play. Their hustle stats like second-chance points and deflections helped make up the winning difference.
If you study the Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers match player stats, you’ll see that those hustle plays led to free throws and extra buckets that mattered in a tight contest.
Shooting Percentages and Offensive Efficiency
Boston shot 48% from the field and hit 15 three-pointers on 37 attempts (around 40%). That kind of shooting puts pressure on any defense.
Cleveland shot 44% overall and made 11 threes, but missed some key ones late in the game.
The difference in efficiency, especially in the second half, helped Boston stay ahead. They found better shots, shared the ball, and kept moving. The match player stats make it clear—taking smart shots wins games.
Final Score and Game Stats Summary
Final Score: Boston Celtics 112 – Cleveland Cavaliers 101
Team Stats Recap:
Celtics
- Jayson Tatum: 32 PTS, 9 REB, 5 AST
- Jaylen Brown: 26 PTS, 7 REB, 3 AST
- Derrick White: 14 PTS, 6 AST, 2 BLK
- Al Horford: 9 PTS, 11 REB, 2 BLK
Cavaliers - Darius Garland: 28 PTS, 8 AST, 2 STL
- Donovan Mitchell: 19 PTS, 4 AST
- Evan Mobley: 14 PTS, 10 REB, 3 BLK
- Caris LeVert: 13 PTS, 4 REB, 2 AST
These stats show how players from both teams performed and shaped the story behind the evening’s action.
What This Game Tells Us About Both Teams
From Boston’s side, this game shows they’re still one of the toughest teams in the East. With balanced scoring, defense, and experience, they look ready for another deep playoff run.
For Cleveland, this game showed promise and areas for improvement. Their young stars held their own, but the team still needs more consistent defense and cleaner offense in crunch time.
The Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers match player stats also show how important it is to stay sharp in the little things—like turnovers and shot selection—which often decide big games.
FAQs
Who was the top scorer in the Celtics vs Cavaliers game?
Jayson Tatum led all scorers with 32 points.
Did Donovan Mitchell perform well?
He had 19 points but struggled with consistency and tight defense.
Which team had more rebounds?
The Celtics finished with 45 rebounds, slightly more than Cleveland’s 41.
How did Darius Garland play?
Garland had 28 points and 8 assists. He was Cleveland’s top performer.
Were there standout bench players?
Caris LeVert played well off the bench for Cleveland. Boston’s Sam Hauser also gave key minutes.
What was the key to Boston’s win?
Better shooting, fewer turnovers, and balanced defense helped Boston seal the game.
Conclusion
While fans may remember the big dunks or key threes, the Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers match player stats show what really won this game.
It was about smart plays, strong defense, and leaders stepping up when needed. From Jayson Tatum’s scoring to Garland keeping the Cavs close, every number in the box score told part of the tale.
If you want to understand the rhythm of a game, always check the stats. They reveal the quiet plays, hidden strengths, and clutch moments that shape the final outcome.
Next time the Celtics and Cavs meet, be sure to track the stats again—you’ll appreciate every minute of the action even more.
