The Boston Celtics’ dominance as league leaders was evident, regardless of their opponent. However, their humiliating blowout loss in Game 2 at TD Garden, courtesy of Donovan Mitchell and his team, raised concerns. Criticism was directed at superstar Jayson Tatum for not leading his team effectively. In response, Tatum stepped up in Game 3 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, leading his team to victory and securing a 2-1 lead in the playoff series.
What made this win remarkable was that it occurred on the road, amidst the passionate Cavaliers fans who were riding high on momentum from their Game 2 victory. Tatum assumed the role of a true leader, scoring 33 points and grabbing 13 rebounds, motivating his teammates to contribute and clinch the win.
This triumph not only put the Celtics in control of the series but also showcased their ability to bounce back from adversity. The key to their victory lay in distributing the workload across the team to prevent Donovan Mitchell from dominating as he did in the previous game.
Tatum and his fellow starters not only delivered offensively but also executed a masterful defensive strategy to contain Mitchell. Post-game, defensive specialist Jrue Holiday disclosed their plan to make Mitchell’s scoring difficult while also exhausting him defensively.
By wearing out Mitchell, the Celtics aimed to diminish his effectiveness in crucial moments, particularly late in the game. Despite Mitchell’s reputation for playoff heroics, the Celtics were determined to neutralize his impact.
The final score reflected the success of the Celtics’ game plan. As they prepare for Game 4 in Cleveland, they remain hopeful of building on their momentum and securing another vital win.
