Fueled by the sharpshooting brilliance of Jaylen Brown and Grant Williams, the Boston Celtics launched a 3-point barrage over the Cleveland Cavaliers, securing a dominant 120-95 victory in the opening game of their second-round playoff series.
The Celtics, renowned for their versatile offensive attack, unleashed an unprecedented shooting display from beyond the arc, setting a new franchise record for 3-pointers made in a playoff game. They drained a staggering 25 triples, eclipsing their previous playoff high of 18, established against the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2020 Eastern Conference semifinals.
Leading the charge for the Celtics was Jaylen Brown, who exploded for a game-high 32 points on 11-of-15 shooting, including 8-of-12 from downtown. Grant Williams provided a pivotal contribution, connecting on a remarkable 7-of-9 from 3-point range, chipping in 22 points off the bench.
Beyond Brown and Williams, the Celtics showcased their depth and balance, with six players scoring in double figures. Jayson Tatum contributed 23 points, while Marcus Smart added 16 points and Derrick White filled the stat sheet with 14 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds.
The relentless 3-point onslaught from the Celtics overwhelmed the Cavaliers, who struggled to keep pace and match the efficiency of their opponents. Cleveland shot only 9-of-28 from beyond the arc and faced an insurmountable deficit throughout the contest.
From the opening tip, the Celtics imposed their will on the Cavaliers, taking control of the game and never relinquishing their lead. They built a commanding 18-point cushion in the first quarter and maintained a double-digit advantage for the remainder of the matchup.
As the game progressed, the Cavaliers' frustration grew, and their defense crumbled under the pressure of the Celtics' relentless shooting. They committed costly turnovers and failed to contain the Celtics' perimeter attack, allowing the game to slip further out of reach.
With the victory, the Celtics establish a commanding 1-0 lead in the second-round series. They will look to maintain their momentum and protect their home court advantage in Game 2 on Tuesday night.
The Cavaliers, on the other hand, face an uphill battle as they return home with the series hanging in the balance. They must make swift adjustments to their defensive strategy and find ways to slow down the Celtics' prolific 3-point shooting.
The series between the Celtics and Cavaliers has all the makings of an intriguing matchup, with both teams possessing a wealth of talent and determination. Game 2 promises to be a pivotal encounter as the Cavaliers attempt to bounce back and regain the home-court advantage.
