In the National Basketball Association (NBA), the Boston Celtics took another step towards the trophy.
The Celts did not spare the Cleveland Cavaliers in their arena – 120:95 (40:34, 19:15, 33:28, 28:18).
The favorites piled on the lead in a variety of ways before the long break, winning both the scoring race in the first quarter and the defensive battle in the second half. Afterwards, the difference between the teams did not stop growing and the hosts finished confidently.
Statistically, he contributed the most to the victory Jaylen Brown – 34 minutes, 32 points (8/12 2-pointers, 4/6 3-pointers, 4/4 free throws), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, a block, a turnover and 2 fouls.
Individually great playoff overtime Derrick Whitewith 25 points (2/4 2-pointers, 7/12 3-pointers), a rebound, 5 assists and a foul in 33 minutes.
“It’s a great feeling because the most important thing is to win. I’ve already said that I don’t care if I stay without points or score as much as I did today, if we win – I’m doing enough,” the defender was modest after the match.
“Celtics” made three-pointers with 39 percent accuracy (18/46), dominating the battle for the ball by as much as 55:38. Both teams handled the ball responsibly, making only 6 and 5 mistakes. The Boston club crushes the second opponent in a row in the playoffs, having eliminated the Miami Heat 118-84 in the last match.
The Cleveland team was pulled forward again Donovan Mitchell – 37 minutes, 33 points (8/14 2-pointers, 4/11 3-pointers, 5/5 free throws), 6 rebounds, a steal and 3 turnovers, 5 assists and 2 fouls.
The point guard again lacked help, with only three teammates scoring more than 5 points. None of the team’s bench players topped the 4-point mark when the Celtics brought 16-point Payton Pritchard off the bench.
Both teams played without key players, with Jarrett Allen and Kristaps Porzingis watching from the sidelines.
The Eastern Conference semifinal series ended in four wins 1:0this race stays in Boston for one more game.
Cavaliers: Donovan Mitchell 33 (4/11 3-pointers, 6 rebounds, 5 rebounds), Evan Mobley 17 (13 rebounds), Darius Garland 14 (5 rebounds, 2/8 3-pointers), Isaac Okoro 11 (3/8 3-pointers).
Celtics: Jaylen Brown 32 (6 rebounds, 4/6 3-pointers), Derrick White 25 (5 rebounds, 7/12 3-pointers), Jayson Tatum 18 (11 rebounds, 5 rebounds, 3 blocks, 0/5 tr), Payton Pritchard 16 (5 rpg, 4/10 tr), Jrue Holiday 14 (6 rpg, 2/7 tr), Al Horford 7 (8 rpg kam., 1/5 three points).
“Long break”: the work of Lithuanian agents, Lithuanians raising the value of LKL, LKF’s ability to “buy” a high-level player, the longevity of basketball players, leaking information from clubs and the possibilities of 3×3 national teams
