Box Score Breakdown for Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Celtics claw their way to series win over Cavaliers
The Celtics managed to open a seven-point edge against the short-handed Cavaliers going into the final period, yet Cleveland was still within three with 9:32 remaining before Boston's game-ending 25-13 run sealed the series-clinching victory. Both teams shot over 40.0 percent from three-point range and the hosts' 14 turnovers were four more than they forced, but the Celtics enjoyed a 43-28 rebounding advantage.
Evan Mobley led the Cavaliers with 33 points, supplementing them with seven rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Marcus Morris totaled 25 points, adding three rebounds and two steals. Max Strus delivered 12 points, nine assists and seven rebounds. Darius Garland registered 11 points, nine assists and two steals.
Jayson Tatum paced the Celtics with a 25-point, 10-rebound double-double that included nine assists and four steals. Al Horford generated a 22-point, 15-rebound double-double that included five assists, three blocks and one steal. Derrick White managed 18 points, six assists, five rebounds and two blocks. Jrue Holiday compiled 13 points, four assists and three rebounds. Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard turned in 11 points each, with Brown adding seven assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block.
The Mavs led by 10 points at the half, holding the lead for the final three quarters of this game. They got their lead up to 18 points at times. Dallas shot 53 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range while holding Oklahoma City to 43 percent from the field and 25 percent from long range. They also out-rebounded them, 46-33.
Luka Doncic led Dallas with 31 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists. Derrick Jones had 19 points. PJ Washington tallied 10 points, 10 rebounds and four assists, while Dereck Lively led the bench with 11 points and 10 boards.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led OKC with 30 points, six rebounds and eight assists. Luguentz Dort had 12 points, six rebounds and four assists. Jalen Williams tallied 12 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals.