The Boston Celtics flipped the switch when they needed a 113-98 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 5 to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the sixth time since 2017.
The Cavaliers' season ends in the semifinals in 2023, after being eliminated in the first round. The season-ending loss meant they were without leading scorer Donovan Mitchell, starting center Jarrett Allen and key reserve Caris LeVert.
For the Celtics, a slow start in the first half threatened to prolong the series, but a run in the fourth quarter ultimately tied the game in Boston. Jayson Tatum added a team-leading 25 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, moving him closer to his second triple-double in the playoffs.
Celtics 113, Cavaliers 98
series: Boston wins 4-1
horford has grown
The Celtics relied on Al Horford all season. His responsibilities will only increase in the playoffs. Horford's minutes were extended in the second round due to Kristaps Porzisis injuring his calf in the first round. Against the Cavaliers, more minutes meant more possessions where Mitchell and Darius Garland were isolated and protected. Horford had some tough moments early in the series, especially against Mitchell, but he woke up the Celtics in Game 5 when they needed a wake-up call.
Horford hit Garland three times in the first half, chased down several loose balls and injected energy when the Celtics lacked it. They were going well in the second quarter, but Horford started making one hustle play after another. He also struggled with his outside shooting throughout the series, but made six 3-pointers in the Celtics' victory. He entered the game with 48 seconds left after receiving the MVP call from the Boston crowd.
There is no promise that Porzizis will be ready by the start of the Eastern Conference Finals. The last time he practiced shooting in front of the media before Game 4, he was moving slowly on the court. As long as he's out, the Celtics will need Horford to absorb playing time and continue to be active on both ends of the court. If Boston plays the Knicks, who are ahead in the other Eastern Conference series, Horford will spend a lot of time replacing Jalen Brunson while competing for the bottom with one of the NBA's best rebounding teams. right. Horford took on every challenge Wednesday, and he'll have to try again. — Jay King, Celtics beat writer
Tatum finds his groove
The Celtics showed some stagnation in this series, but once again their deep talent and relative health led to a quick five-game series win. Horford deserves credit for turning the game around with his energy and shooting in the second quarter, but Boston put Cleveland to bed in Game 5 with another balanced performance.
Tatum has steadily made an impact in all areas of his game over the last five games, even though he hasn't shot well since Game 3. Jaylen Brown's scoring efficiency has been crucial in helping Boston overcome its offensive slump. Jrue Holiday's defense was often the only thing keeping Mitchell from beating Boston. This was a total effort by a talented team to win it all, even if none of the players were at their best.
New York or Indiana awaits in the next round, and Boston has two vastly different opponents who have posed big challenges this year. No matter who stands in their way, they showed against Cleveland that they can survive the series without Porzisis. However, Boston was lucky that Mitchell and LeVert were unable to finish this series and Allen did not get healthy. There are always uncertainties with this team, but they once again found a way to do it convincingly. — Jared Weiss, Celtics beat writer
Cleveland should feel confident in defeat.
The hard truth is that the Cavaliers' season ended with a gentlemanly sweep of the Boston Celtics.
That's what the history books show. Years from now, you'll look back on May 2024 and shrug off the Cavs losing three of four games by double digits. So let's take a moment to focus on what Cleveland showed in his last two games of this series.
The Cavs were competitive for 40 minutes in Game 5, which featured Allen, who had missed the last eight playoff games, and Mitchell, who had missed the last two games, as well as LeVert, who was out with a knee bruise. That's after giving the Celtics their best game (of Boston's previous eight wins in the playoffs) in Game 4 without Mitchell and Allen.
Evan Mobley scored 33 points in the loss, easily surpassing his playoff career high. There's a lot to understand about the possibility of Mobley and Allen playing together, but Mobley has clearly grown into a playing center this series.
Marcus Morris Sr. (are you kidding?) looked like LeBron. He scored 25 points on 10-of-13 shooting off the bench. Three months ago, he wasn't on this team.
Garland struggled (4-of-17 shooting) and it was tough to watch. Without Mitchell, Garland had to be great (as he was with 30 points in Game 4).
Cleveland's defensive strategy appears to have been to leave Horford open. It was smart and mostly worked. If you had to bet that he would make six of his 3s like Horford did in Game 5, you would bet against him. Jaylen Brown had a good night, but the Cavs didn't have the talent to withstand the Celtics' sizable roster.
The Cavs advanced to the Eastern semifinals for the first time since 2018. The team that plays Wednesday will not be the same team that returns in October. How, well, that's up to Coby Altman (and Dan Gilbert).
But the players who have donned the uniform over the past two games deserve a handshake, a nod and a job well done, no matter what their individual stats are. The history books won't remember that effort, but the Cavs and their fans should try to be remembered. It was worthy of praise. — Joe Vardon, NBA Senior Writer
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(Photo: Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
