Let’s talk about one of the most buzzworthy matchups of the 2024 NBA Playoffs—the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics. This wasn’t just another series. It was a five-game rollercoaster filled with firepower, grit, injuries, and big-time performances that had fans glued to their screens. Whether you’re a die-hard Cavs supporter or bleed Celtic green, this series gave you something to talk about. Let’s break it all down—from the game-by-game stats to the stars who shined, and what’s next for both teams.
Game-by-Game Breakdown: Celtics Win Series 4-1
Game 1 – Celtics Come Out Firing (BOS 120, CLE 95)
📍 TD Garden, Boston – May 7, 2024
Top Performers:
- Jaylen Brown (BOS): 32 PTS, 6 REB, 2 AST
- Derrick White (BOS): 25 PTS, 5 AST, 4 REB, 7/12 from deep
- Jayson Tatum (BOS): 18 PTS, 11 REB, 5 AST
- Donovan Mitchell (CLE): 33 PTS, 5 REB, 6 AST
- Evan Mobley (CLE): 17 PTS, 13 REB
What Happened:
Boston set the tone early. Between Derrick White draining threes like he was on fire and Jaylen Brown bulldozing his way to the basket, the Celtics took command and never looked back. Cleveland looked a step behind, and Boston’s defense clamped down hard.
Game 2 – Cavs Clap Back (CLE 118, BOS 94)
📍 TD Garden, Boston – May 9, 2024
Top Performers:
- Donovan Mitchell (CLE): 29 PTS, 8 AST, 3 STL
- Evan Mobley (CLE): 21 PTS, 10 REB, 2 BLK
- Caris LeVert (CLE): 21 PTS (off the bench)
- Jayson Tatum (BOS): 25 PTS, 9 REB
What Happened:
The Cavaliers came roaring back with attitude. Donovan Mitchell took over the game, and Caris LeVert brought some serious spark off the bench. Boston looked stunned, and Cleveland’s defense forced the Celtics into a frustrating night. Message sent.
Game 3 – Tatum and Brown Reclaim the Stage (BOS 106, CLE 93)
📍 Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland – May 11, 2024
Top Performers:
- Jayson Tatum (BOS): 33 PTS, 13 REB, 6 AST
- Jaylen Brown (BOS): 28 PTS, 4 REB
- Donovan Mitchell (CLE): 33 PTS, 7 AST
- Darius Garland (CLE): 19 PTS, 6 AST
What Happened:
This one was all about Tatum and Brown turning on the jets. Tatum dominated in every way—scoring, rebounding, leading. Mitchell kept Cleveland alive, but without help from the second unit, the Cavs couldn’t keep up.
Game 4 – Cavs Fight, Celtics Finish (BOS 109, CLE 102)
📍 Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland – May 13, 2024
Top Performers:
- Jayson Tatum (BOS): 34 PTS, 8 REB, 6 AST
- Jaylen Brown (BOS): 26 PTS, 5 REB
- Jrue Holiday (BOS): 16 PTS, 4 AST
- Darius Garland (CLE): 30 PTS, 7 AST
- Evan Mobley (CLE): 19 PTS, 10 REB
What Happened:
Mitchell was out with a calf strain, and the Cavs needed someone to step up. Garland did his best, dropping 30, and Mobley stayed consistent. But again—Boston’s elite duo showed up. Tatum and Brown hit the big shots when it mattered most, putting the Celtics up 3–1.
Game 5 – Celtics Close It Out (BOS 113, CLE 98)
📍 TD Garden, Boston – May 15, 2024
Top Performers:
- Jayson Tatum (BOS): 25 PTS, 10 REB, 8 AST
- Al Horford (BOS): 22 PTS, 15 REB, 6/9 3PT
- Evan Mobley (CLE): 33 PTS, 7 REB, 4 BLK
- Darius Garland (CLE): 12 PTS, 5 AST (4/17 FG)
What Happened:
Boston brought the hammer down. Al Horford, the ageless wonder, had a lights-out performance. Tatum was a stat-sheet stuffer. Mobley had his best game of the series, but Cleveland’s cold shooting and lack of depth doomed them. Celtics move on.
Key Performances That Shaped the Series
Jayson Tatum: Mr. Everything
Let’s not dance around it—Tatum was the backbone of Boston’s success. He led in points, rebounds, assists—you name it. Every time the Celtics needed a bucket or a defensive stop, Tatum delivered. This wasn’t just an MVP-caliber showing—it was a leadership clinic.
Donovan Mitchell: A One-Man Army
Before his calf said “no more,” Mitchell was lighting it up. Averaging 31.7 PPG in the first three games, he was Cleveland’s heartbeat. His injury changed the tone of the series, and it was obvious the Cavs missed his firepower in Games 4 and 5.
Evan Mobley: Rising Star in Real-Time
Mobley was a revelation. His growth in this series, especially that monster Game 5, showed that he’s no longer just a defensive anchor—he’s evolving into a legit two-way star. Cleveland fans, take note.
The Vets: Horford & Holiday Do It Again
It’s easy to overlook the old guys, but don’t. Al Horford hit clutch threes and owned the glass, while Jrue Holiday kept the offense humming and made crucial plays down the stretch. These guys were the glue that held it all together.
Series Stats Snapshot: The Numbers Behind the Action
| Player | Team | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jayson Tatum | BOS | 27.2 | 9.2 | 6.4 | 47.8% |
| Jaylen Brown | BOS | 25.0 | 4.8 | 3.0 | 54.2% |
| Donovan Mitchell | CLE | 31.7 | 4.3 | 6.7 | 51.5% |
| Evan Mobley | CLE | 21.4 | 10.1 | 2.5 | 56.0% |
| Darius Garland | CLE | 17.2 | 3.0 | 5.5 | 39.5% |
| Al Horford | BOS | 13.6 | 9.0 | 2.1 | 49.3% |
What’s Next for These Two Teams?
Boston Celtics: On the Road to the Finals
They’re locked and loaded. With Tatum and Brown playing elite basketball, and support from Horford, White, and Holiday, Boston looks like a championship contender. The chemistry is real, and the hunger is there. Eastern Conference Finals—watch out.
Cleveland Cavaliers: A Bright but Bumpy Future
Sure, it’s a tough loss. But Cleveland showed fight. If they can keep Mitchell healthy and continue developing Mobley and Garland, this team could turn into a real threat. They’ve got the pieces—it’s about putting them together at the right time.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just Stats
This wasn’t just another playoff series. It was a showcase of superstar talent, emerging youth, and veteran leadership. The Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics player stats tell a story of resilience, adjustment, and grit. For Boston, it’s one step closer to a title. For Cleveland, it’s a season of what-could-have-beens—but also one packed with promise.
Whether you’re tracking every stat or just catching the highlights, one thing’s for sure—this series reminded us why we love playoff basketball.
And trust me, this one will be talked about for a long time.
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