February 5, 2025
In a highly anticipated clash between the top two teams in the NBA’s Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics edged the Cleveland Cavaliers 112-105 on Tuesday, February 4, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The Celtics extended their winning streak to four games, while the Cavaliers’ four-game streak came to an end in front of their home crowd .
Game Overview
The Celtics, now 36-15, closed the gap in the standings with the Cavaliers (40-10), who still hold the league’s best record. Boston’s Derrick White emerged as the hero, scoring 14 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter, including six three-pointers, to seal the victory . Jayson Tatum added 22 points and a crucial steal in the final seconds, while Jaylen Brown contributed 16 points despite foul trouble .
For Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell delivered a standout performance with 31 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. Darius Garland added 25 points, and Jarrett Allen dominated the boards with 18 rebounds. However, Evan Mobley struggled, scoring just four points on 2-of-11 shooting .
Key Moments
Boston took control early, leading 28-15 after the first quarter and 54-44 at halftime. The Cavaliers narrowed the gap to eight points late in the second quarter, but Brown’s buzzer-beating jumper restored Boston’s double-digit lead . Cleveland’s third-quarter push, led by Mitchell, cut the deficit to 73-67, but a 7-0 Celtics run halted their momentum .
The fourth quarter saw dramatic shifts. White’s back-to-back three-pointers gave Boston a 10-point lead with 2:20 left, but Mitchell’s relentless drives kept Cleveland within striking distance. With 22 seconds remaining and the Cavaliers trailing 109-104, Tatum stole a pass from Mobley, effectively ending Cleveland’s hopes .
Injuries and Adjustments
The Cavaliers played without forwards Isaac Okoro (shoulder) and Dean Wade (knee), while Boston’s Payton Pritchard returned after missing a game due to illness . Cleveland’s limited bench depth forced heavy minutes on starters, with Mitchell playing nearly the entire fourth quarter .
Defensive Battles and Shooting Woes
Both teams struggled offensively, shooting below 41% from the field. Boston’s 13 offensive rebounds and aggressive defense offset their poor shooting, while Cleveland’s reliance on three-pointers (18 attempts) fell short . Kristaps Porzingis (19 points) and Al Horford (10 points) provided critical support for Boston, exploiting mismatches in the paint .
Standings and Rivalry
The win marked Boston’s second victory in three meetings against Cleveland this season. The teams will face off again on February 28 in Boston, adding fuel to their growing rivalry . Despite the loss, the Cavaliers remain 4.5 games ahead of the Celtics in the East, though Boston’s road record (20-6) signals their championship potential .
Social Media Reactions
Fans and analysts praised White’s clutch performance, with tweets calling him “unbelievable” and the Celtics’ “savior” . Mitchell’s effort also drew acclaim, with commentators noting his “tough and-one plays” despite the loss .
Looking Ahead
The Celtics return home to face the Dallas Mavericks, while the Cavaliers visit Detroit and Washington before hosting Minnesota. With the trade deadline approaching, Cleveland may seek roster upgrades to maintain their lead, with Atlanta’s De’Andre Hunter reportedly a target .
Tuesday’s game underscored the intensity of playoff-level basketball in February. As the season progresses, both teams remain strong contenders, setting the stage for a thrilling postseason rematch.
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