In recent playoff seasons, the Boston Celtics have exhibited three consistent traits: lengthy series, struggles on their home court, and dominance away from it. While the first two tendencies remain uncertain this postseason, their prowess on the road persisted in Game 3 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Displaying a clinical defensive showcase and standout performances from stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the Celtics secured a 106-93 victory over the Cavs, granting them a 2-1 series advantage.
"We were determined to bounce back after our Game 2 performance," Tatum remarked. "It was a crucial opportunity for us to elevate our game and show our resilience."
Over the past three seasons, Boston has maintained a balanced 14-14 record in 28 home playoff encounters, a statistic notable for its rarity in NBA history. However, their road proficiency, boasting a 17-7 record, has been a pivotal factor in their playoff success, including a Finals appearance in 2022 and a conference finals berth last season.
Following a lackluster showing in Game 2, characterized by what Brown labeled as "unacceptable" defensive lapses, the Celtics intensified their efforts on both ends of the court in Game 3, securing their fifth consecutive postseason road victory.
Tatum and Brown spearheaded the charge, amassing a combined 61 points—33 from Tatum and 28 from Brown—while the team shot an impressive 51% from the field and connected on 38.2% of their attempts from beyond the arc.
Brown emphasized the importance of collective effort and unity, stating, "We need everyone locked in and committed to giving their all. That's the foundation of our success. We have the talent; it's about executing together."
This mindset translated into an elevated defensive performance from the Celtics, despite Donovan Mitchell's remarkable 33-point outing for the Cavs. Boston effectively contained Cleveland's secondary options, limiting them to a mere 43 points on 17-for-51 shooting, including a paltry 5-for-23 from long range, aside from Mitchell and Evan Mobley, who managed 17 points before succumbing to injury.
"I believe we simply didn't convert the same shots we did in Game 2," Mitchell reflected. "We missed numerous opportunities around the rim, including myself. Those are shots we're capable of making. Additionally, our three-point shooting wasn't as sharp as it needed to be. We need to capitalize on our open looks, or else we're playing into their hands. It's crucial to take advantage of our opportunities."
Now, the Celtics must deliver another commanding performance on the road in Game 4 to secure a chance to close out the series at home. Can they avoid a repeat of the Game 2 stumble and prevent Cleveland from gaining momentum once more?
"In the playoffs, anything can happen, especially if we come out flat," Brown acknowledged. "We can't assume this series will unfold like the last one. We must maintain our defensive intensity in Game 4. That's the urgency we need to display."
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