Cavs’ Fourth-Quarter Push Can’t Prevent 117-115 Home Loss to Celtics
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CLEVELAND — A 21-point deficit proved too steep for the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night, as the Boston Celtics held on for a 117-115 victory at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Reserve guard Payton Pritchard paced Boston with 42 points on 15-for-22 shooting, controlling the game from the opening tip and answering every late charge. His performance spoiled a strong night from Evan Mobley, who posted 27 points and 14 rebounds for Cleveland.
The Cavaliers trailed 97-76 late in the third quarter before shifting into comeback mode. Darius Garland poured in 13 of his 21 points in the final period, while Donovan Mitchell added nine of his 18 during the same stretch. Mobley’s three-pointer with 5.7 seconds left narrowed the gap to two, but his final attempt at the horn bounced off the rim.
Cleveland continues to juggle injuries. Center Jarrett Allen is dealing with problems in both ring fingers, guard Sam Merrill remains sidelined, and forward Larry Nance Jr. is expected to miss several more weeks. The absences have forced head coach J.B. Bickerstaff to lean on youngsters Tyrese Proctor, Jaylon Tyson and NaeQwan Tomlin for extended minutes.
Now 12-9 after dropping three straight, the Cavaliers head to Indianapolis for a Monday matchup with the Pacers. Boston improved to 15-5 despite playing the second game of a back-to-back set.
Source: Hoops Wire
