Introduction
On February 28, 2025, the Cleveland Cavaliers pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat the Boston Celtics 123-116 at the TD Garden. This matchup between two Eastern Conference powerhouses was a showcase of high-level basketball, with both teams displaying exceptional talent and depth. The Cavaliers, trailing by as many as 22 points, rallied in the second half, led by Donovan Mitchell’s 41-point performance.
For the Celtics, Jayson Tatum delivered a remarkable 46-point game, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win. In this article, we provide an in-depth look at the Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics Match Players Stats from this thrilling contest, highlighting key performances and analyzing the game’s flow.
Game Overview
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
The game began with the Celtics taking control early, outscoring the Cavaliers 38-26 in the first quarter. Boston’s hot shooting and strong defense set the tone, as they built a commanding lead. The second quarter saw the Celtics extend their advantage further, adding 36 points to take a 74-64 lead at halftime.
However, the third quarter marked a turning point, with the Cavaliers fighting back fiercely. Cleveland outscored Boston 31-24, cutting the deficit to just three points (98-95) heading into the final frame. The fourth quarter was decisive, as the Cavaliers dominated 28-18 to complete their comeback and secure a 123-116 victory.
Final Score and Key Moments
The final score was 123-116 in favor of the Cavaliers. Key moments included Donovan Mitchell’s clutch three-pointer with 2:30 left in the game, which gave Cleveland the lead for good.
Jayson Tatum’s 46-point performance was a highlight for Boston, but his efforts were overshadowed by the Cavaliers’ relentless second-half surge. Additionally, Cleveland’s bench played a crucial role, outscoring Boston’s reserves 34-22, as noted in the box score.
Cleveland Cavaliers Player Stats oF Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics Match Players Stats
Starting Lineup Performance
The Cavaliers’ starting lineup featured Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, and Max Strus. Mitchell and Garland combined for 61 points, with Mitchell leading the way with 41.
Mobley and Allen provided strong contributions inside, totaling 27 points and 16 rebounds. However, Strus had a quiet game, scoring just 2 points on 1-of-3 shooting, which limited his impact.
Top Individual Performances
Donovan Mitchell was the star of the show for Cleveland, scoring 41 points on 13-of-26 shooting, including 5-of-12 from three-point range. He also added 5 assists and 3 rebounds, showcasing his ability to take over games.
His 12 points in the fourth quarter were pivotal in sealing the comeback. Darius Garland supported Mitchell with 20 points on 9-of-23 shooting and 7 assists, demonstrating his playmaking skills.
Evan Mobley recorded a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds, while also contributing 3 assists and a block. De’Andre Hunter, coming off the bench, was highly efficient, scoring 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting, including a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc, with a plus-minus of +21.
Bench Contributions
The Cavaliers’ bench was instrumental in the comeback, outscoring Boston’s reserves by a significant margin. Ty Jerome provided a spark with 8 points and 3 assists in 21 minutes, shooting 3-of-10 from the field. Sam Merrill chipped in with 3 points, including a crucial three-pointer in the fourth quarter. Isaac Okoro added 5 points and 3 rebounds in 12 minutes. The bench’s energy and production were key factors in Cleveland’s second-half surge.
Boston Celtics Player Stats Of Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics Match Players Stats
Starting Lineup Performance
Boston’s starting five consisted of Derrick White, Jayson Tatum, Sam Hauser, Al Horford, and Jaylen Brown. Tatum and Brown combined for an incredible 83 points, with Tatum leading all scorers with 46 and Brown adding 37.
White contributed 16 points and 5 assists, while Hauser and Horford provided additional scoring with 6 and 5 points, respectively. Despite their offensive firepower, Boston’s starters struggled to maintain their early lead as Cleveland mounted its comeback.
Top Individual Performances
Jayson Tatum delivered a historic performance, scoring 46 points on 19-of-37 shooting, including 4-of-12 from three-point range. He also grabbed 16 rebounds and dished out 9 assists, nearly recording a triple-double.
His ability to score from all three levels was on full display, though his 3 turnovers slightly marred his performance. Jaylen Brown was equally impressive, scoring 37 points on 13-of-24 shooting, including 4-of-6 from three-point range, and adding 5 rebounds. Derrick White rounded out Boston’s top performers with 16 points on 5-of-12 shooting and 5 assists, providing steady play throughout the game.
Bench Contributions
Boston’s bench struggled to match Cleveland’s second unit. Payton Pritchard led the reserves with 6 points in 25 minutes, shooting 2-of-4 from the field. Luke Kornet grabbed 5 rebounds but failed to score, while Sam Hauser contributed 6 points off the bench, including 2 three-pointers. The Celtics’ bench as a whole was outplayed, which proved costly as the game progressed.
Comparative Analysis
Team Statistics Comparison
The Cavaliers edged out the Celtics in total points (123-116) and rebounds (44-40). Both teams were closely matched in assists, with Cleveland recording 23 and Boston tallying 20.
However, the Cavaliers committed fewer turnovers (7) compared to Boston’s 11, which helped them maintain momentum during their comeback. Cleveland’s bench also played a significant role, outscoring Boston’s reserves 34-22.
Shooting Efficiency
Shooting efficiency was nearly identical between the two teams. The Cavaliers shot 47.9% from the field (45-of-94), while the Celtics shot 48.3% (43-of-89). From three-point range, both teams converted 43.6% of their attempts (17-of-39).
However, Cleveland was more efficient at the free-throw line, making 84.2% (16-of-19) compared to Boston’s 76.5% (13-of-17). This slight edge in free-throw shooting proved crucial in the final minutes.
Three-Point Shooting
Three-point shooting was a key factor in this high-scoring game. Both teams made exactly 17 three-pointers out of 39 attempts, shooting an identical 43.6%. For Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell led the way with 5 threes, while De’Andre Hunter added 3.
For Boston, Jaylen Brown and Derrick White each made 4 threes, with Jayson Tatum contributing 4 as well. The ability of both teams to shoot from deep kept the game competitive throughout.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics Match Players Stats Table
Below is a detailed table summarizing the Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics Match Players Stats for both teams:
| Player | Team | MIN | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | FG | FG% | 3PT | 3P% | FT | FT% | +/- |
| Donovan Mitchell | CLE | 35 | 41 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 13-26 | 50.0 | 5-12 | 41.7 | 10-11 | 90.9 | 0 |
| Darius Garland | CLE | 32 | 20 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 9-23 | 39.1 | 2-7 | 28.6 | 0-0 | – | -17 |
| Evan Mobley | CLE | 29 | 17 | 12 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 6-12 | 50.0 | 2-5 | 40.0 | 3-4 | 75.0 | +2 |
| De’Andre Hunter | CLE | 29 | 12 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4-6 | 66.7 | 3-3 | 100.0 | 1-2 | 50.0 | +21 |
| Jarrett Allen | CLE | 24 | 10 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4-4 | 100.0 | 0-0 | – | 2-2 | 100.0 | -23 |
| Jayson Tatum | BOS | 41 | 46 | 16 | 9 | 0 | 3 | 19-37 | 51.4 | 4-12 | 33.3 | 4-5 | 80.0 | +5 |
| Jaylen Brown | BOS | 34 | 37 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 13-24 | 54.2 | 4-6 | 66.7 | 7-10 | 70.0 | +10 |
| Derrick White | BOS | 41 | 16 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 5-12 | 41.7 | 4-10 | 40.0 | 2-2 | 100.0 | -2 |
| Sam Hauser | BOS | 38 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2-8 | 25.0 | 2-6 | 33.3 | 0-0 | – | +18 |
| Payton Pritchard | BOS | 25 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2-4 | 50.0 | 2-4 | 50.0 | 0-0 | – | -36 |
FAQs
Who was the leading scorer for the Cavaliers?
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 41 points, shooting 13-of-26 from the field and 5-of-12 from three-point range.
Who led the Celtics in points?
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 46 points, including 19 field goals and 16 rebounds.
Which player had the most rebounds?
Jayson Tatum led all players with 16 rebounds, showcasing his dominance on the boards.
Did any player record a triple-double?
No player recorded a triple-double, though Jayson Tatum came close with 46 points, 16 rebounds, and 9 assists.
What was the largest lead in the game?
The Celtics led by as many as 22 points in the second quarter, but Cleveland battled back to win.
Conclusion
The February 28, 2025, matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics was a high-scoring thriller that showcased the best of NBA basketball. Despite trailing by 22 points, the Cavaliers staged a remarkable comeback to win 123-116, led by Donovan Mitchell’s 41-point performance.
Jayson Tatum’s 46 points highlighted Boston’s offensive prowess, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Cleveland’s resilience and depth. This game underscored the importance of teamwork, bench production, and clutch performances in close contests. For more in-depth analysis and updates on NBA games, follow our blog and stay tuned for more coverage of your favorite teams and players.
