The 2024 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals continued with a critical Game 3 clash between the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Celtics walked away victorious, defeating the Cavaliers 106–93 to take a 2–1 series lead. Played at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, the game highlighted the Celtics’ potent offensive firepower and sturdy defensive execution.
This blog takes a deep dive into individual player statistics and the broader team dynamics that shaped the outcome of this pivotal matchup.
First Half Recap
Boston came into the game with a mission to reclaim momentum after splitting the first two games at home. From the tip-off, their intent was clear—smother Cleveland’s offense and push the tempo on every possession. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown shouldered the offensive load early, while Jrue Holiday orchestrated plays with poise and efficiency.
The Cavaliers, on the other hand, leaned heavily on Donovan Mitchell, who kept them competitive through an outstanding shooting display from beyond the arc. Despite his efforts, Cleveland struggled to match Boston’s ball movement and transition efficiency.
Boston led by a narrow margin at halftime, but the tone of the game suggested that a third-quarter surge could determine the outcome—and that’s exactly what happened.
Boston Celtics – Player Statistics & Analysis
Jayson Tatum delivered a complete performance reminiscent of his All-NBA status. He tallied 33 points on 11-of-25 shooting, including 2-of-8 from beyond the arc and a perfect 9-of-9 from the free-throw line. Beyond scoring, Tatum was aggressive on the boards, securing 13 rebounds, and dished out 6 assists. He also contributed defensively with a steal and a block. His all-around performance was crucial in building Boston’s lead in the second half.
Jaylen Brown was equally impactful. Brown scored 28 points with impressive efficiency—hitting 13 of 17 field goals and 2 of 3 three-pointers. He grabbed 9 rebounds and had 3 assists, while also playing strong perimeter defense. His physical drives and ability to finish through contact gave the Cavaliers persistent problems.
Jrue Holiday, known for his defense, was also an offensive catalyst. He added 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including 3-of-4 from three-point territory. Holiday complemented his scoring with 8 rebounds and 5 assists, showcasing his two-way value. His calm decision-making helped Boston control the game’s tempo.
Derrick White had a quieter night offensively, shooting 4-of-13 and scoring 12 points, but his impact was felt in hustle plays. He grabbed 3 rebounds, made 3 assists, and added a steal and a block, maintaining his role as a defensive disruptor and secondary playmaker.
Al Horford, the veteran anchor, provided intangible value beyond the stat sheet. Although he scored only 2 points on 1-of-7 shooting, Horford contributed 7 rebounds and 2 assists. His defensive rotations and communication were essential in containing Cleveland’s frontcourt.
From the bench, Sam Hauser scored 6 points, hitting two crucial three-pointers. Payton Pritchard chipped in with 5 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists, bringing energy and pace during critical stretches. Luke Kornet added 2 points, a rebound, and a block in limited minutes. The Celtics’ depth allowed their starters to rest without compromising momentum.
Cleveland Cavaliers – Player Statistics & Analysis
The Cavaliers relied heavily on Donovan Mitchell, who again proved why he’s one of the NBA’s elite scorers. Mitchell scored 33 points, shooting an efficient 11-of-17 from the field and 7-of-10 from beyond the arc. However, he received minimal support from his teammates, which made it difficult for Cleveland to mount a serious comeback.
Evan Mobley had a solid performance with 17 points and 8 rebounds. His inside presence and midrange touch were assets, but he struggled defensively against the Celtics’ ball movement.
Darius Garland had an off night. The Cavaliers’ starting point guard scored just 11 points on 4-of-17 shooting. Garland’s inability to penetrate Boston’s defense or knock down perimeter shots significantly hampered Cleveland’s offensive rhythm.
Caris LeVert came off the bench to contribute 15 points, but it was not enough to shift the momentum. He played aggressively but found it difficult to break through Boston’s defensive schemes.
Max Strus, who has been a reliable role player, scored only 5 points. His 1-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc further strained Cleveland’s offensive spacing.
Isaac Okoro and Georges Niang provided hustle and physicality, but neither could make a substantial impact on the scoreboard. Okoro’s defense was solid, but he was a non-factor offensively.
Team Comparisons and Tactical Notes
- Shooting Efficiency: Boston shot 47.5% from the field and 37.9% from three-point range, while Cleveland managed just 43.4% and 35.3%, respectively. The Celtics’ ability to create high-percentage shots—particularly via transition and kick-outs—gave them a significant edge.
- Rebounding: The Celtics outrebounded the Cavaliers, particularly on the defensive glass. Boston’s control of the boards limited second-chance points and enabled quick offensive transitions.
- Ball Movement: Boston’s ball movement was superior. The team totaled 26 assists compared to Cleveland’s 19. This unselfish play created better shot opportunities and exposed gaps in the Cavaliers’ defense.
- Turnovers: Both teams took good care of the ball, but Boston’s turnovers came in less costly situations, while Cleveland’s few errors often led to fast-break points for the Celtics.
Conclusion
Game 3 of the Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers series showcased the disparity in depth and execution between the two teams. While Donovan Mitchell continued his incredible playoff run, he was largely alone in his efforts. The Celtics, led by the trio of Tatum, Brown, and Holiday, delivered a balanced, disciplined performance on both ends of the floor.
The win not only gave Boston a crucial 2–1 series lead but also reasserted their dominance as the deeper and more versatile team. As the series progresses, the Cavaliers will need more consistency from Garland and the supporting cast if they hope to force a Game 6 or 7.
With Game 4 on the horizon, Cleveland faces a must-win scenario. Boston, meanwhile, looks poised to close out the series and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals if they maintain this level of play.
