CLEVELAND -- Over recent seasons, the Boston Celtics have maintained a certain playoff pattern: extended series, struggles at home, and dominance on the road. While the first two trends remain uncertain, Saturday's Game 3 against the Cleveland Cavaliers underscored the Celtics' prowess away from home.
With a clinical defensive display and standout performances from Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Boston secured a 106-93 victory, seizing a 2-1 series lead.
"We were focused on bouncing back after Game 2," Tatum remarked. "It was a chance for us to step up, play better, and show our resilience."
In the past three seasons, Boston has recorded a 14-14 record in 28 home playoff games, a streak unmatched in NBA history for consecutive home games without a winning record. However, their road success, boasting a 17-7 record, has fueled their postseason ambitions, with NBA Finals and conference finals appearances in recent years.
Following a lackluster Game 2, marred by defensive lapses labeled as "unacceptable" by Brown, the Celtics elevated their performance in all facets, clinching another vital road win -- their fifth consecutive away victory in the playoffs.
Tatum and Brown spearheaded the charge, tallying a combined 61 points, showcasing Boston's efficiency with a 51% field goal shooting and 38.2% from beyond the arc.
"We need everyone locked in and committed," Brown emphasized. "Our talent is undeniable, but unity and effort are crucial. We didn't come here for sightseeing; we came to win."
This determination resonated in Boston's defensive tenacity, stifling Cleveland's offensive options beyond Donovan Mitchell and a hindered Evan Mobley. Despite Mitchell's 33-point spectacle, the Celtics limited the rest of the Cavs to 43 points on 17-for-51 shooting, including a 5-for-23 performance from long range.
Reflecting on the loss, Mitchell acknowledged missed opportunities, particularly in finishing at the rim and capitalizing on open looks, emphasizing the need for improved execution moving forward.
Looking ahead to Game 4, the Celtics aim to replicate their road resilience to secure a commanding series lead. Brown emphasized the need for unwavering urgency, acknowledging the unpredictability of playoff basketball.
"It's playoff basketball," Brown reiterated. "Every game demands our best. We can't afford to let up. Our focus is on maintaining our defensive intensity and seizing control of this series."