In Game 1 of their second-round playoff series, Jaylen Brown led the charge for the Boston Celtics with an impressive 32-point performance, while Derrick White contributed with seven successful 3-pointers, amassing 25 points, as they secured a dominant 120-95 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night.
Jayson Tatum provided solid support with 18 points and 11 rebounds, enabling the Celtics to establish control in the latter half of the game.
Despite the Cavaliers’ early efforts to keep pace, shooting 11 of 42 from beyond the arc, the Celtics displayed superior efficiency from long range, connecting on 18 of 46 attempts throughout the game.
Boston entered the final quarter with a comfortable 15-point lead and extended their advantage with a decisive 10-2 run at the start of the period, ultimately sealing the victory at 102-79.
Meanwhile, in another playoff matchup, the Oklahoma City Thunder secured a convincing 117-95 win over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with an impressive stat line of 29 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists.
Chet Holmgren contributed significantly with 19 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks, while Jalen Williams, despite a slow start, came alive in the fourth quarter, scoring 10 of his 18 points to help maintain Oklahoma City’s undefeated streak in the playoffs.
Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his prowess against Luka Doncic, limiting the MVP finalist to 19 points on 6-for-19 shooting and forcing five turnovers. Strong defensive efforts from Lu Dort and rookie Cason Wallace further contained Doncic’s impact, with Holmgren providing additional disruption near the rim.
Kyrie Irving led the charge for the Mavericks with 20 points, supported by Daniel Gafford’s impressive performance of 16 points, 11 rebounds, and five blocks.
