The Celtics came away with a crucial victory last night in the TD Garden as they defeated the Cavaliers 103-99. This is the first time Boston has beaten Cleveland this year and are now just three games out of first place in the East.
To say this game had a playoff atmosphere would be an understatement. In the final twelve minutes, there were six ties and twelve lead changes. It was a true back and forth game. Isaiah Thomas was the game’s high scorer with 31, while Lebron and Kyrie had 28 for the Cavaliers. Lebron also had 13 rebounds and 10 assists giving him a triple double. Even Al Horford came within one point of recording his first triple double of the season.
The Celtics, and more importantly Isaiah Thomas, got some much needed help from other scorers. Jae Crowder nailed a three late with just over two minutes to play to give momentum back to Boston, and Avery Bradley put in work on both sides of the ball. With Bradley nursing a minutes restriction, he had to wait until there was under 4 minutes left in the contest to check back in. He played near flawless defense on Kyrie Irving in the late stages of the game. In the final possession, Irving took Bradley one-on-one, but Bradley forced him into a tough fade away that was eventually missed.
As for his offense, Bradley hit a big shot with just over a minute to give the C’s the lead. But he was about to be undone by Mr. Fourth Quarter himself. With the Celtics down by 1, Isaiah took the ball off a screen and launched a three from 5 feet behind the line. Was there any doubt it wasn’t going in? After Irving tied the game once more, Isaiah drove the lane and got to the foul line to put give the Celtics the lead they would never give up.
With both sides hampered by injuries, it gives promise to the Celtics faithful that they can compete at the highest level. It requires some super star performances, but it can be done. That type of confidence and energy is what they will need to continue this run into the playoffs.
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