On February 28, 2025, the Cleveland Cavaliers orchestrated a remarkable comeback to defeat the Boston Celtics 123–116 at TD Garden. Overcoming a 22-point deficit, the Cavaliers showcased resilience and determination, led by Donovan Mitchell’s stellar performance. This victory not only split the regular-season series between these Eastern Conference powerhouses but also sent a strong message as the playoffs approached.
Game Overview: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats
The Cavaliers’ victory over the Celtics was a testament to their tenacity and depth. After trailing 25–3 early in the first quarter, Cleveland remained composed, gradually chipping away at Boston’s lead. By halftime, the deficit had narrowed, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.
Donovan Mitchell was instrumental in the comeback, scoring 41 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter. His leadership on the court galvanized the team, while contributions from Darius Garland (20 points, 7 assists) and Evan Mobley (17 points, 12 rebounds) provided the necessary support.
The Celtics, despite strong performances from Jayson Tatum (46 points, 16 rebounds, 9 assists) and Jaylen Brown (37 points), couldn’t withstand the Cavaliers’ relentless push. Missing key starters Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis, Boston’s depth was tested, ultimately falling short against a surging Cleveland squad.
Team Box Scores: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats
>Cleveland Cavaliers
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donovan Mitchell | 41 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 50.0 | 38.5 | 90.9 |
| Darius Garland | 20 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 39.1 | 28.6 | 0.0 |
| Evan Mobley | 17 | 12 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 50.0 | 40.0 | 75.0 |
| Jarrett Allen | 10 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 100 | 0.0 | 100 |
| De’Andre Hunter | 12 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 66.7 | 100 | 50.0 |
| Ty Jerome | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 30.0 | 66.7 | 0.0 |
| Dean Wade | 5 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 40.0 | 33.3 | 0.0 |
| Isaac Okoro | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 50.0 | 33.3 | 0.0 |
| Sam Merrill | 3 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 100 | 100 | 0.0 |
| Max Strus | 2 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 33.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
>Boston Celtics
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jayson Tatum | 46 | 16 | 9 | 0 | 3 | 51.4 | 33.3 | 80.0 |
| Jaylen Brown | 37 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 54.2 | 66.7 | 70.0 |
| Derrick White | 16 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 41.7 | 40.0 | 100 |
| Al Horford | 5 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 50.0 | 100 | 0.0 |
| Sam Hauser | 6 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 25.0 | 33.3 | 0.0 |
| Payton Pritchard | 6 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 50.0 | 50.0 | 0.0 |
| Luke Kornet | 0 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Torrey Craig | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Drew Peterson | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Top Individual Performers: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics Match Players
1) Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers)
Mitchell’s 41-point performance was the catalyst for Cleveland’s comeback. Shooting 50% from the field and 38.5% from beyond the arc, he also contributed 5 assists and 3 rebounds, demonstrating his all-around impact on the game.
2) Jayson Tatum (Celtics)
Tatum delivered an outstanding performance with 46 points, 16 rebounds, and 9 assists. Despite his efforts, the Celtics couldn’t maintain their early lead, highlighting the challenges of sustaining momentum in high-stakes games.
3) Jaylen Brown (Celtics)
Brown added 37 points, shooting an impressive 54.2% from the field and 66.7% from three-point range. His scoring prowess complemented Tatum’s efforts, but the duo’s combined 83 points weren’t enough to secure the win.
4) Evan Mobley (Cavaliers)
Mobley’s double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds, along with 3 assists, provided the Cavaliers with a strong presence in the paint. His contributions were crucial in both offensive and defensive plays during the comeback.
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Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
- 1st Quarter: The Celtics dominated early, leading 38–26. Tatum and Brown set the tone with aggressive scoring, while the Cavaliers struggled to find their rhythm.
- 2nd Quarter: Cleveland began to close the gap, outscoring Boston 38–36. Mitchell and Garland started to heat up, reducing the deficit to 10 points by halftime.
- 3rd Quarter: The Cavaliers continued their surge, winning the quarter 31–24. Defensive adjustments and efficient shooting allowed them to tie the game at 100 early in the fourth quarter.
- 4th Quarter: Cleveland sealed the comeback with a 28–18 advantage. Mitchell’s leadership and clutch shooting were pivotal, as the Cavaliers outpaced the Celtics in the final minutes.
Game Analysis: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats
The Cavaliers’ victory was a masterclass in resilience and adaptability. Overcoming a significant early deficit, they maintained composure and executed their game plan effectively. Mitchell’s scoring, combined with contributions from Garland and Mobley, showcased the team’s depth and versatility.
Boston’s reliance on Tatum and Brown was evident, especially in the absence of Holiday and Porziņģis. While their star duo performed admirably, the lack of bench production and defensive lapses in the second half proved costly.
This game highlighted the importance of depth and in-game adjustments, especially as teams prepare for the postseason. The Cavaliers demonstrated their capability to contend with top-tier teams, while the Celtics were reminded of the challenges that come with key player absences.
Conclusion
The February 28 matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics was a thrilling display of NBA basketball. Cleveland’s comeback from a 22-point deficit underscored their determination and strategic prowess. Donovan Mitchell’s leadership and scoring acumen were instrumental in turning the tide, while the team’s collective effort highlighted their potential as serious contenders.
For Boston, the game served as a cautionary tale about the perils of complacency and the impact of missing key players. Despite exceptional performances from Tatum and Brown, the Celtics couldn’t withstand the Cavaliers’ relentless push.
As the regular season progresses, both teams will look to learn from this encounter. The Cavaliers will aim to build on this momentum, while the Celtics will focus on regaining their full strength and addressing the vulnerabilities exposed in this game.
FAQs
Q: What was the final score of the game?
A: The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Boston Celtics 123–116.
Q: Who was the top scorer in the game?
A: Donovan Mitchell led all scorers with 41 points for the Cavaliers.
Q: How significant was the Cavaliers’ comeback?
A: The Cavaliers overcame a 22-point deficit, one of the most impressive comebacks of the 2024–25 NBA season. They were down 25–3 in the opening minutes but showed exceptional resilience and composure to rally back and win.
Q: Who were the standout players for each team?
A: For the Cavaliers, Donovan Mitchell was the standout performer with 41 points, while Evan Mobley contributed a strong double-double. For the Celtics, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 83 points, but lacked sufficient support from the rest of the roster.
Q: Why were the Celtics missing key players?
A: The Celtics played without starting point guard Jrue Holiday and center Kristaps Porziņģis due to injuries. Their absence significantly impacted Boston’s defense and overall depth.
Q: What was the key turning point in the game?
A: The turning point came midway through the third quarter when the Cavaliers ramped up their defensive intensity and Mitchell began finding his shooting rhythm. By the start of the fourth quarter, they had completely erased Boston’s lead and took control of the game’s tempo.
Q: How does this game impact playoff positioning?
A: While the season still has several weeks to go, this win adds crucial momentum for the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference standings. It also serves as a confidence booster ahead of key matchups in March. For Boston, the loss underscores the need for healthy returns and bench contributions to sustain their top-tier status.
Q: How did both teams shoot from beyond the arc?
A: The Cavaliers shot slightly better from three-point range, thanks to Mitchell and Mobley. Boston had a hot start from deep but cooled off in the second half. The Cavs’ defensive adjustments helped neutralize Boston’s perimeter threats late in the game.
Q: What’s next for the Cavaliers and Celtics?
A: The Cavaliers will look to maintain momentum in their next matchup against the Miami Heat. The Celtics will aim to bounce back and hope to have their full roster back soon as they face the Philadelphia 76ers in a high-stakes conference clash.
