The Boston Celtics secured an exciting 109-102 win in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semis against the Cleveland Cavaliers. They now have a 3-1 lead in the series and are just a win away from making it to their third consecutive Eastern Conference Finals appearance in a row. Led by their two stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the seventeen-time champions looked incredible on the defensive end.
They were able to restrict the Cavs to only 31.3% shooting from three-point range on the night. Tatum and Brown combined to score 60 points for the Celtics. They looked incredible and made tough shots over the Cavs’ resilient defense to secure the win on the night. Jrue Holiday also had a terrific game, scoring 16 points on 54.5% shooting from the field. Payton Pritchard scored 11 points off the bench to help the Celtics cement their lead in the series.
The Cavs were heading into Game 4 with their star player Donovan Mitchell ruled out. He suffered a left calf strain and in his absence, it was Darius Garland who took charge of the scoring. The 24-year-old scored 30 points and made 7 assists for the Cavs. Evan Mobley and Carius LaVert helped the team out with 19 points each. The team put in their best efforts without Mitchell, but it proved to be valiant against the mighty Celtics team.
Boston Celtics look destined to represent the Eastern Conference
The Boston Celtics will now head back to TD Garden in hopes of clinching the series in Game 5. There is no update on Donovan Mitchell, but even if he gets back, the odds of making a comeback from 3-1 down seems unlikely. This will lead the Celtics to face the winner of the Indiana Pacers vs New York Knicks matchup in the Conference Finals.
While the Pacers were able to level the series 2-2, it is going to be difficult for them to secure two more wins against the Knicks team. Although Tom Thibodeau’s men are shorthanded, they have the resilience needed to topple their opponents. The Pacers are a young side and have not been in deep playoff runs, which could prove to be detrimental for them. Both these teams are playing some physical basketball in the series and by the looks of it, this series could go to Game 7.
Not only would this take a lot out from players on both teams, but it would also give the Boston Celtics enough time to rest before they can play Game 1 of the Conference Finals. The seventeen-time champions have been missing the services of their key player Kristaps Porzingis since the first round. If they are able to wrap the series against the Cavs in Game 5, this will give him enough time to rest and be back for the crucial Conference Finals, which will further boost their chances.
Are the Boston Celtics as good as they are advertised?
The Boston Celtics finished the regular season with the best record in the NBA [64-17.] They have carried their brilliance into the postseason and have looked incredible so far. However, they haven’t faced any real challenge so far as both the Miami Heat and the Cleveland Cavaliers have been shorthanded. Their opponents in the Conference Finals could be the New York Knicks or the Indiana Pacers, who are also dealing with their own injury problems. But a team can only play against the opponents in front of them and the Celtics have done that well.
While many could argue they got the easier path to the NBA Finals, the Celtics certainly earned it through their performances in the regular season. They have a great set of players, who are willing to contribute on both ends of the floor. If they are to win the championship, the Celtics will have to overcome a few more challenges on their way. While East looks relatively easy, they will be up against a fiery team from the Western Conference in the NBA Finals if they make it to that stage.
