In an electrifying Game 1 showdown between the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jaylen Brown stole the spotlight with a dazzling 32-point performance. However, he wasn’t the sole standout. Derrick White also made his mark on the game, showcasing his sharpshooting skills with an impressive seven 3-pointers, contributing 25 points to the Celtics’ dominant 120-95 triumph on Tuesday evening.

Jayson Tatum added essential support with his 18 points and 11 rebounds, aiding the Celtics in gradually extending their lead in the latter half and clinching a crucial victory in the second-round playoff series.

While initially keeping pace with their opponents, the Cavaliers were hindered by their lackluster performance from beyond the arc. Shooting just 11 of 42 from 3-point range, they couldn’t match the Celtics’ sharpshooting proficiency. Conversely, Boston demonstrated impressive accuracy from long distance, making 18 of 46 attempts, giving them a notable edge.

This proficiency from downtown allowed the Celtics to secure a commanding 15-point lead going into the fourth quarter. There, they bolstered their dominance with a scorching 10-2 run, expanding their lead to 102-79.

Mitchell’s heroics not enough

Despite the Cavaliers’ valiant efforts, spurred by Donovan Mitchell’s remarkable 33-point performance, they fell short against the Celtics’ offensive prowess. Mitchell’s display was especially noteworthy, as he joined an elite group as just the fourth player in league history to score 30 or more points in six consecutive playoff series openers. Darius Garland chipped in with 14 points, offering some assistance for the Cavaliers, but it wasn’t sufficient to overcome the Celtics’ formidable offense.

Looking ahead to Game 2 set for Thursday night in Boston, both teams will undoubtedly be aiming to make adjustments. Of particular note is Derrick White, who maintained his hot streak from the previous round against the Miami Heat, once again demonstrating his scoring prowess with exceptional 3-point shooting.