BOSTON – The term “playoff atmosphere” is often thrown around during the NBA regular season, but in my opinion, such an atmosphere can only truly be felt during the actual playoffs. While certain games may resonate with heightened significance—due to rematches, rivalries, or star players facing off against their former teams—those moments simply can’t replicate the intensity of playoff games. When fans describe a regular-season game as having a “playoff feel,” it often misses the mark. Players might rest in February, but they turn up for the playoffs, and coaches invest significantly more time preparing for a postseason series than for a single regular-season game.
As the clock hit midnight on Saturday, the Boston nightlife was alive with energy, following the Cleveland Cavaliers' impressive victory over the Boston Celtics, with a score of 123-116. This win meant that the Cavaliers managed to split the season series with the defending champions, each team winning two games. When asked about the significance of this win for their mental state, players on the Cavs side offered a lukewarm “yeah, kinda.” Coach Kenny Atkinson was right in asserting that this was not a must-win for Cleveland, as regular-season outcomes rarely predict postseason performance.
Despite the outcome at TD Garden, the Cavaliers have already established themselves as a deeper and more cohesive unit than the one that fell to the Celtics in five games during the 2024 Eastern Conference semifinals. They demonstrated that they could compete effectively in a potential playoff matchup against Boston. On the other hand, the Celtics have proven they still possess the firepower, toughness, and depth necessary to defend their championship title, regardless of their current standings compared to Cleveland.
Even when faced with a daunting 25-3 deficit early in the game, the Cavs managed to rise to the challenge. The Celtics surged ahead with seven three-pointers in the first five minutes, creating an atmosphere that echoed the intensity of playoff encounters. Atkinson's decision to take an early timeout was a response to the overwhelming noise and pressure from the Boston crowd. The game felt electric, reminiscent of the times when teams like the Warriors dominated at home.
What followed was nothing short of remarkable. The Cavaliers pulled off their largest comeback in 11 years, matching the Celtics with 17 three-pointers by the end of the game. This comeback was a testament to their resilience, particularly with the team overcoming a 22-point deficit in the first quarter and a 17-point deficit in the third quarter. Darius Garland, one of Cleveland’s All-Stars, noted, “We’re super resilient. We’re not about to just let a game just fall away from us like that.”
A key moment in the game was when Celtics star Jaylen Brown picked up his fourth foul midway through the third quarter, allowing the Cavaliers to close the gap. Brown's absence was felt as Cleveland capitalized on the opportunity to rally back, demonstrating their ability to handle pressure and adversity.
Evan Mobley’s performance was pivotal in the fourth quarter. After a rocky start, Mobley returned from foul trouble to score nine consecutive points, ultimately contributing 11 points and eight rebounds in the fourth quarter alone. His ability to shake off a slow start exemplified the importance of perseverance in high-stakes situations. Mobley reflected, “The game rewards people when they stick with it. Just believe in myself, that’s the biggest thing.”
On the other end, Boston’s Jayson Tatum had a standout game, recording a season-high 46 points and 16 rebounds, while Brown added 37 points despite his limited minutes. Their impressive performances highlighted the caliber of talent present in the league.
For the Cavaliers, Donovan Mitchell stepped up to the challenge, scoring 41 points, with 26 coming in the second half. His ability to deliver under pressure was crucial, as he navigated through the chaos of the game. Atkinson praised Mitchell's performance, stating, “He was phenomenal.” Mitchell took control during pivotal moments, driving to the basket and finding his rhythm from beyond the arc.
Despite the absence of key players from the Celtics, including Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis, this game served as an indicator of what’s to come. It was another impressive night in a remarkable regular season, building hope for both the Cavaliers and their fans for what lies ahead. As the NBA season progresses, both teams are gearing up for what could be an exhilarating playoff showdown.
