Donovan Mitchell delivered a jaw-dropping fourth-quarter performance, scoring 20 of his 35 points in the final frame to power the Cleveland Cavaliers past the Boston Celtics 115-111 on Sunday night.
The win not only snapped Boston’s seven-game winning streak but also showcased Mitchell’s ability to take over when it matters most, solidifying Cleveland’s standing among the Eastern Conference elite.
The Cavaliers overcame a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter, thanks largely to Mitchell’s scorching shooting. The All-Star guard was perfect from the field in the final period, going 6-for-6, including four clutch three-pointers. After a quiet first half, where he managed just four points on 2-of-8 shooting, Mitchell erupted in the second half, dropping 30 points and reminding everyone why he’s one of the league’s top clutch performers.
Darius Garland provided crucial support with 22 points, helping Cleveland exact revenge on Boston after the Celtics handed the Cavaliers their first loss of the season on November 19, ending their impressive 15-0 start. Sunday’s victory was a statement win for Cleveland, proving they can match up against the East’s top contenders.
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On the other side, Jayson Tatum led Boston with 33 points, continuing his stellar play this season. Payton Pritchard stepped up in the absence of key starters, contributing 24 points, including several key shots that kept Boston in control for most of the game. Kristaps Porzingis added 21 points, but it wasn’t enough to fend off Mitchell’s late-game heroics.
The Celtics were without Jaylen Brown, sidelined with an illness, and Derrick White, who’s nursing a foot sprain. Despite missing two starters, Boston displayed its characteristic depth and offensive versatility, building a 93-81 lead early in the fourth before Mitchell’s takeover derailed their plans.
The key moment came with just five seconds left on the clock. Trailing 113-110, Pritchard made the first of two free throws and attempted to intentionally miss the second, hoping for a long rebound. However, a lane violation call ended Boston’s hopes, handing possession back to Cleveland. Mitchell then sealed the game with two free throws, capping off his electrifying night.
Boston’s three-point barrage, a cornerstone of their recent success, wasn’t enough to withstand Mitchell’s relentless offensive assault. Even short-handed, the Celtics showcased their dangerous perimeter shooting, but defensive lapses in the fourth allowed Cleveland to turn the tide.
Mitchell’s performance was particularly impressive given his recent shooting struggles. He entered the game shooting just 40% over his last five outings, including a 5-of-23 effort in Friday’s loss to Atlanta. His ability to bounce back and take over in crunch time underscores his status as one of the league’s premier all-around players.
For Cleveland, this win reinforces their resilience and ability to compete at the highest level. Mitchell’s leadership, combined with Garland’s steady scoring and the Cavs’ defensive toughness, positions them as a formidable force in the East.
The Celtics, meanwhile, head into a demanding stretch of four home games in six nights, starting with a matchup against the Miami Heat on Monday. They’ll need to regroup quickly, especially with their sights set on maintaining their top spot in the conference.
Cleveland will look to build on this momentum when they host the Washington Wizards on Tuesday. With Mitchell firing on all cylinders and the team finding its groove, the Cavaliers appear poised for another deep run in the competitive Eastern Conference.
In the end, Sunday’s showdown between two of the East’s best lived up to the hype, with Donovan Mitchell delivering one of the season’s most memorable performances to date.
