The Boston Celtics were the league leaders for a reason. They were the best team regardless of who they went up against. But the game 2 blowout loss at TD Garden at the hands of Donovan Mitchell and co. was embarrassing. After superstar, Jayson Tatum was criticized for not leading his team, he responded by doing just that to win over the Cleveland Cavaliers to lead the playoff series 2-1.
What was impressive about this win was that it was on the road. The Cavaliers fans are passionate and were excited to have the momentum swing in their favor after the game 2 win. However, Jayson Tatum took it upon himself to lead his team and avoid another embarrassing loss. Scoring 33 points and grabbing 13 rebounds, he inspired his teammates to contribute and eventually win the game.
This victory puts them in command of the playoff series which looked at one point to slip away from their hands. The key to victory in this game was to have enough all-round contribution so that Donovan Mitchell does not dominate and take the game away. Just like he did in the previous game.
Jayson Tatum and his starters had more than enough points to put the game away. But crucially, they put in a masterclass defensive performance against Mitchell to limit his performance.
Jayson Tatum and co. exhaust Donovan Mitchell on both ends of the court
After the game, defensive ace Jrue Holiday revealed their game plan against Donovan Mitchell. The idea from the start was to not only try and make it difficult for him to make shots. But it was also important to make him work on the defensive end. Then only could their plan to tire the Cleveland Cavaliers superstar work to perfection.
A tired Mitchell will not be in a position to make clutch shots late in the game. Something he did with aplomb in game 2. Jayson Tatum and his elite defensive teammates knew that it would be difficult to keep Mitchell at bay completely. Everyone in the basketball world knows how lethal the guard can be in playoff games.
The score at the end of the game suggests that the Boston Celtics game plan worked. Now they move onto game 4 again in Cleveland, with a hope to take a commanding lead in this playoff series before heading home for game 5.
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