The Cleveland Cavaliers have successfully seized home-court advantage from the top-seeded Boston Celtics after splitting the first two games in Boston. Now, with the series tied at 1-1, the Cavaliers are preparing to defend their turf and make a significant statement as they host the Celtics in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference second-round series on Saturday night.
Following a demoralizing 120-95 defeat in Game 1, the Cavaliers bounced back emphatically in Game 2, securing a resounding 118-94 victory on the Celtics’ home court.
Cavaliers’ star guard Donovan Mitchell acknowledged the importance of the road win but quickly shifted the focus to Game 3, highlighting its critical nature for both teams.
“It’s always good to get a win on the road, but at the end of the day, it’s one game,” Mitchell commented after his impressive 29-point performance. “So it was good to get the win. We did a lot of really positive things. But, at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter.”
Mitchell emphasized the need to protect home court in Game 3, recognizing the significance of maintaining momentum and capitalizing on their recent success.
On the other side, the Celtics are eager to rebound swiftly after their commanding Game 1 victory was followed by a humbling defeat in Game 2. Despite trailing by as many as 29 points in the second half of Game 2, Boston remains determined to regain control of the series.
Boston star Jayson Tatum, who contributed 25 points in Game 2, expressed confidence in his team’s ability to bounce back.
“Just get ready for Saturday,” Tatum stated. “Nobody was in there defeated, deflated. I mean, you never want to lose, especially in the playoffs.”
With Evan Mobley (21 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists) and Caris LeVert (21 points off the bench) joining Mitchell as 20-point scorers in Game 2, the Cavaliers showcased their offensive firepower while also excelling defensively.
Mobley’s impact on both ends of the court was particularly notable, with Mitchell praising his ability to protect the paint effectively.
“That’s where he’s at his best, continuing to protect the paint,” Mitchell remarked about Mobley. “Especially having him guard on the ball, and being able to deter them on their shots and layups. … It’s not easy attacking Evan like that, so just having him able to be that dominant, but also give us offensive production, was big time.”
As the series shifts to Cleveland for Game 3, both teams are gearing up for what promises to be a fiercely contested battle for control and momentum in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
