In Game 4 of the 2024 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Boston Celtics secured a 109–102 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, taking a 3–1 series lead. The game, held at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, showcased standout performances, strategic plays, and the impact of key player absences.CBSSports.com+2Fox Sports+2ESPN+2
Game Overview
The Celtics entered Game 4 with momentum, aiming to extend their series lead. Despite the Cavaliers missing their leading scorer, Donovan Mitchell, due to a left calf strain, Cleveland remained competitive throughout the game. Boston’s balanced offense and timely defense ultimately secured the win.Reuters
Boston Celtics Player Stats
Jayson Tatum
- Points: 33
- Rebounds: 11
- Assists: 5
- Field Goals: 11/25
- Three-Pointers: 2/8
Tatum led the Celtics with a double-double, demonstrating his scoring prowess and rebounding ability. His performance was pivotal in maintaining Boston’s offensive rhythm.CBSSports.com
Jaylen Brown
- Points: 27
- Rebounds: 8
- Field Goals: 9/15
- Three-Pointers: 2/3
- Free Throws: 7/9
Brown’s efficient shooting and strong presence on the boards complemented Tatum’s efforts, providing the Celtics with a reliable secondary scoring option.
Jrue Holiday
- Points: 16
- Rebounds: 7
- Assists: 5
- Field Goals: 6/11
- Three-Pointers: 4/8
Holiday contributed significantly on both ends of the floor, showcasing his defensive skills and three-point shooting accuracy.
Bench Contributions
- Payton Pritchard: 11 points (3/4 from three-point range)
- Luke Kornet: 9 points, 6 rebounds
The Celtics’ bench provided valuable minutes, with Pritchard’s perimeter shooting and Kornet’s inside presence bolstering the team’s performance.
Cleveland Cavaliers Player Stats
Darius Garland
- Points: 30
- Assists: 7
- Field Goals: 12/26
- Three-Pointers: 4/13
With Mitchell sidelined, Garland stepped up as the primary scorer, delivering a strong offensive performance to keep the Cavaliers competitive.
Evan Mobley
- Points: 19
- Rebounds: 9
- Field Goals: 8/13
Mobley’s efficiency in the paint and rebounding efforts were crucial in countering Boston’s frontcourt.
Caris LeVert
- Points: 19
- Field Goals: 7/17
LeVert provided additional scoring, helping to fill the void left by Mitchell’s absence.
Max Strus
- Points: 15
- Rebounds: 7
- Assists: 7
Strus contributed across multiple statistical categories before fouling out late in the game.
Team Statistics
- Field Goal Percentage: Boston 48.7%, Cleveland 43.6%
- Three-Point Percentage: Boston 37.5%, Cleveland 31.3%
- Free Throws: Boston 21/24, Cleveland 5/7
- Rebounds: Boston 48, Cleveland 32
- Assists: Boston 15, Cleveland 26
Boston’s superior shooting efficiency and dominance on the boards were key factors in their victory.
Key Moments
- Third Quarter Lead Change: Cleveland briefly took a 65–64 lead early in the third quarter, showcasing their resilience despite missing key players.
- Clutch Three by Brown: With the game tightening in the fourth quarter, Jaylen Brown hit a crucial three-pointer to extend the Celtics’ lead, effectively sealing the win.
- Free Throw Disparity: Boston attempted 24 free throws compared to Cleveland’s 7, a point of contention highlighted by Garland post-game.
Looking Ahead
With a 3–1 series lead, the Celtics are poised to close out the series in Game 5, scheduled to be played in Boston. The Cavaliers will need to regroup and find ways to compensate for the potential continued absence of Donovan Mitchell if they hope to extend the series. The Celtics, on the other hand, will aim to maintain their momentum and secure a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals.
For more detailed statistics and game analysis, you can visit the official box score on StatMuse and the NBA’s official recap.
