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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics: did Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley’s third-quarter push change the script at Rocket Arena?

The Cleveland Cavaliers entered 39-25 and the Boston Celtics came in 43-21, and Boston left Rocket Arena with a 109-98 result on Sunday at 1:00 PM EDT. The Celtics posted 35 points in the 1st quarter and the Cavs answered with 26 while the game’s lead changes finished at 1.


PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 21: Tobias Harris #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots a free throw during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the In-Season Tournament on November 21, 2023 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

First quarter


The Cleveland Cavaliers opened with 26 points in the 1st quarter while the Boston Celtics countered with 35 behind 44 percent shooting. The Cavs hit 41 percent from the field for the game and got 38 points in the paint, while Boston logged 32 paint points and 56 rebounds.


Second quarter


The Cavs scored 10 points in the 2nd quarter as the Celtics added 21 and carried a 26 biggest lead in the game. Boston’s 91 percent at the line factored into the gap, while Cleveland finished at 71 percent on free throws and produced 8 points off turnovers.


Third quarter


The Wine and Gold produced 33 points in the 3rd quarter after Boston put up 30, and Cleveland’s pace showed in 18 fast break points on 12 attempts. Donovan Mitchell delivered 30 points with 7 rebounds and 5 assists, and Evan Mobley added 24 points with 8 rebounds and 3 blocks as the game-changing plays Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics centered on rim pressure and transition chances.


Fourth quarter


The Land scored 29 points in the 4th quarter while the Green Machine scored 23, and Cleveland finished with 23 assists against 9 turnovers. Boston’s perimeter work held with 15 made 3-pointers at 40 percent, while the Cavs finished 13 made 3-pointers at 29 percent and saw 13 bench points against Boston’s 41 as the Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics recap settled into the Cleveland Cavaliers full-time result.


Final horn and what it means


The Celtics finished with 25 assists and 12 turnovers while the Cavs posted 6 blocks and 4 steals, and the Cleveland Cavaliers final whistle reaction came with Cleveland trailing after Boston led for 41:44 of game time. Next up, the Cleveland Cavaliers game broadcast will air Monday, 03/09/2026 at 7:00 PM EDT when the Philadelphia 76ers visit Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, with coverage on FDSOH and NBCS-PH. Run it back with a closer look at the box score, and share this article with other Cavs fans.

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