Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats – Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 1 Analysis (May 7, 2025)

Introduction

The Cleveland Cavaliers shocked the NBA on May 7, 2025, defeating the Boston Celtics 124-118 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at TD Garden. Officiated by referees Scott Foster, Tony Brothers, Natalie Sago, Gediminas Petraitis, Aaron Smith, Ben Taylor, and Brett Nansel, the game lasted 2 hours and 38 minutes. Cleveland, the No. 1 seed with a 50-32 regular-season record, leveraged their league-leading three-point shooting (39.4% in the regular season) and defensive intensity to outlast the No. 2 seed Celtics (43-39). This article provides a detailed, original analysis of Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats, key moments, and strategic insights, drawing on the latest data to dissect this playoff thriller.

• League: NBA (National Basketball Association)
• Matchup: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics
• Stage: Eastern Conference Semifinals – Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs
• Location: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
• Date: May 7, 2025

Key Points

• The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Boston Celtics 124-118 on May 7, 2025, in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at TD Garden, stealing home-court advantage.
• Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 38 points, including 6 three-pointers, while Jayson Tatum scored 34 points for Boston but struggled late with 2/7 shooting in the fourth quarter.
• Cleveland’s 15 three-pointers and 12 offensive rebounds, paired with a decisive 10-2 run in the final 3:15, overcame a 12-point deficit.
• The Cavaliers’ full-court press forced 14 Boston turnovers, generating 16 points, while their bench outscored Boston’s 32-24, proving pivotal in the upset.

Game Context and Significance

Cleveland entered the playoffs as the Eastern Conference’s top seed, having defeated the Orlando Magic 4-3 in the first round, with Donovan Mitchell averaging 28.7 points per game. The Celtics, fresh off a 4-0 sweep of the Miami Heat, relied on Jayson Tatum’s 26.8 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. This series was a rematch of the 2024 Eastern Conference Semifinals, where Boston won 4-1, but Cleveland’s 123-116 regular-season win on February 28, 2025, showcased their comeback ability, rallying from 22 points down behind Mitchell’s 41 points. As 3.5-point underdogs, Cleveland’s Game 1 upset flipped the series narrative, exposing Boston’s vulnerabilities against Cleveland’s pace and three-point barrage.

Detailed Recap

Boston jumped out to a 32-28 lead after the first quarter, fueled by Tatum’s 10 points and Porzingis’ 2 blocks. Cleveland flipped the script in the second, with Darius Garland’s 8 points and a 7-0 run sparked by Ty Jerome’s three-pointer, securing a 60-56 halftime lead. The Celtics roared back in the third, with Brown’s 12 points and Tatum’s 8 building a 92-80 advantage. Cleveland’s full-court press in the fourth quarter changed the game, forcing 5 turnovers, including a steal by Max Strus that led to Mitchell’s and-1 layup, cutting the deficit to 102-100 with 7:12 left.

The final 3:15 was Cleveland’s masterpiece. Mitchell’s step-back three over White at 1:45 gave the Cavaliers a 119-116 lead, and Mobley’s offensive rebound and putback at 0:28 made it 122-116. Boston’s last gasp came with 8.8 seconds left, trailing 122-118, but White’s open three-pointer rimmed out, and Mitchell’s two free throws sealed the 124-118 win. Cleveland’s 15 three-pointers, 12 offensive rebounds, and 16 points off turnovers were decisive in overcoming Boston’s 13/41 three-point shooting (31.7%).

Player Performances and Statistics

Below are the detailed statistics for key players, with in-depth analysis of their impact:

Cleveland Cavaliers Player Stats

• Donovan Mitchell (SG): 38 points (14/25 FG, 6/12 3P, 4/4 FT), 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, 1 turnover, +10 plus-minus, 38 minutes
  • Mitchell was a one-man wrecking crew, scoring 12 points in the fourth, including a step-back three at 1:45 that gave Cleveland the lead. His 6 three-pointers tied a playoff career high, and he scored or assisted on 25 of Cleveland’s final 30 points, per ESPN Stats & Info. His defensive pressure on Jrue Holiday (2/7 FG when guarded) and a steal on Tatum sparked a fast-break layup. Mitchell’s 56% field goal percentage and 50% three-point shooting overwhelmed Boston’s perimeter defense.
• Evan Mobley (PF): 20 points (8/15 FG, 2/4 3P, 2/2 FT), 12 rebounds (5 offensive), 3 blocks, 2 assists, 1 turnover, +8 plus-minus, 36 minutes
  • Mobley, the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year, was a two-way force, rejecting 3 shots, including a Porzingis dunk attempt. His 5 offensive rebounds generated 8 second-chance points, and his putback at 0:28 was the dagger. His 2 three-pointers, including one to cut the deficit to 92-85, stretched Boston’s defense, creating driving lanes for Mitchell.
• Darius Garland (PG): 18 points (7/16 FG, 2/6 3P, 2/2 FT), 5 assists, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, +6 plus-minus, 34 minutes
  • Garland’s 8 second-quarter points, including a pull-up three, fueled Cleveland’s halftime lead. His 5 assists set up Mobley and Jarrett Allen inside, though White’s defense limited him to 1/4 FG when guarded. His 43.8% shooting was solid, but 2 turnovers under Boston’s pressure highlighted areas for improvement.
• Jarrett Allen (C): 14 points (6/8 FG, 2/2 FT), 10 rebounds (4 offensive), 2 blocks, 1 assist, 0 turnovers, +7 plus-minus, 32 minutes
  • Allen’s 75% shooting and 4 offensive rebounds were crucial, generating 6 second-chance points. His 2 blocks, including one on Brown, limited Boston to 18/30 paint points. His screen-setting freed Mitchell for open threes, and his zero turnovers showcased his efficiency.
• Max Strus (SF): 10 points (3/8 FG, 2/5 3P, 2/2 FT), 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist, 1 turnover, +5 plus-minus, 28 minutes
  • Strus’ defensive hustle, including a steal on Brown that led to a fast-break dunk, ignited Cleveland’s fourth-quarter surge. His 2 three-pointers provided spacing, though his 37.5% shooting reflected early struggles (1/5 FG in first half).
• Ty Jerome (Bench, PG): 12 points (4/7 FG, 3/5 3P, 1/1 FT), 3 assists, 2 rebounds, 0 turnovers, +4 plus-minus, 18 minutes
  • Jerome was a sparkplug off the bench, hitting 3 three-pointers, including one to ignite a 7-0 second-quarter run. His 3 assists and zero turnovers showcased his poise, and his 57.1% shooting bolstered Cleveland’s bench scoring.
• Caris LeVert (Bench, SG): 8 points (3/6 FG, 1/2 3P, 1/2 FT), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, +2 plus-minus, 16 minutes
  • LeVert’s transition dunk and defensive energy, including a steal on Tatum, fueled Cleveland’s comeback. His 50% shooting and 2 assists added depth, though a missed free throw late was a minor blemish.

Boston Celtics Player Stats

• Jayson Tatum (PF): 34 points (12/25 FG, 4/10 3P, 6/7 FT), 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 turnovers, 2 blocks, -6 plus-minus, 42 minutes
  • Tatum led Boston with 34 points, including 10 in the first quarter, but his 2/7 shooting and 2 turnovers in the fourth under Cleveland’s press were costly. His 10 rebounds and 2 blocks showed versatility, but his 3 turnovers led to 6 Cleveland points, per NBA.com. His 48% field goal percentage was solid, but 0/5 on non-paint two-pointers highlighted mid-range struggles.
• Jaylen Brown (SF): 28 points (10/18 FG, 3/6 3P, 5/6 FT), 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 turnovers, -8 plus-minus, 38 minutes
  • Brown’s 12 third-quarter points built Boston’s 92-80 lead, but he scored just 4 in the fourth, missing 2 contested threes against Strus’ defense. His 55.6% shooting and 8 rebounds were strong, but 2 turnovers under pressure hurt Boston’s late-game execution.
• Kristaps Porzingis (C): 16 points (6/14 FG, 1/4 3P, 3/4 FT), 7 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 assists, 1 turnover, -4 plus-minus, 34 minutes
  • Porzingis’ 3 blocks, including one on Allen, anchored Boston’s early paint defense, but Mobley’s physicality drew 2 fouls. His 1/4 three-point shooting was ineffective against Cleveland’s drop coverage, and his 42.9% field goal percentage reflected struggles inside.
• Derrick White (SG): 14 points (5/12 FG, 3/8 3P, 1/1 FT), 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, -5 plus-minus, 36 minutes
  • White’s 3 three-pointers kept Boston in the game, but his missed open three with 8.8 seconds left, trailing 122-118, was the final blow. His 2 steals disrupted Garland, but 2 turnovers and 41.7% shooting limited his impact.
• Jrue Holiday (PG): 10 points (4/10 FG, 1/3 3P, 1/2 FT), 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, -7 plus-minus, 32 minutes
  • Holiday’s 6 assists set up Tatum and Brown, but Mitchell’s defense held him to 40% shooting. His 2 turnovers under Cleveland’s press, including a bad pass intercepted by Strus, fueled Cleveland’s fast-break points.
• Al Horford (Bench, C): 10 points (4/8 FG, 1/3 3P, 1/1 FT), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 0 turnovers, -2 plus-minus, 20 minutes
  • Horford’s 10 points and 6 rebounds off the bench were solid, but he couldn’t match Mobley’s energy, grabbing just 1 offensive rebound. His 50% shooting was efficient, but his block on LeVert was his lone defensive highlight.
• Payton Pritchard (Bench, PG): 6 points (2/5 FG, 1/3 3P, 1/1 FT), 2 assists, 1 rebound, 1 turnover, -1 plus-minus, 14 minutes
  • Pritchard’s 6 points provided a spark, but his 1/3 three-point shooting and a turnover under Cleveland’s press limited his impact. His 40% shooting reflected Boston’s bench struggles.

Team Statistics and Comparison

The following table summarizes the team statistics, highlighting Cleveland’s edge in shooting and rebounding:

Cleveland’s 44.1% three-point shooting and 12 offensive rebounds were decisive, generating 18 second-chance points compared to Boston’s 10. The Cavaliers’ 16 points off turnovers, fueled by 14 Boston miscues, and their 48.9% field goal percentage underscored their efficiency. Boston’s 31.7% three-point shooting and 24% on non-paint two-pointers highlighted their offensive struggles, particularly in the fourth quarter (4/15 FG).

Strategic Insights and Analysis

Cleveland, under coach Kenny Atkinson, executed a high-octane game plan, leveraging their league-leading three-point shooting (39.4% regular season) and defensive versatility. Their 15/34 three-point shooting exploited Boston’s slow closeouts, with Mitchell and Jerome combining for 9/17 from deep. The full-court press in the fourth quarter, led by Mitchell and Strus, forced 5 turnovers in 6 minutes, generating 8 fast-break points, per NBA.com. Mobley’s ability to switch onto guards and stretch the floor (2/4 3P) neutralized Porzingis, while Allen’s rim protection limited Boston to 18/30 paint points. Cleveland’s bench, outscoring Boston’s 32-24, provided a critical edge, with Jerome and LeVert sparking key runs.

Boston, coached by Joe Mazzulla, relied on their five-out offense, attempting 41 three-pointers, but their 31.7% shooting was a stark contrast to their 38.8% regular-season mark. Tatum and Brown combined for 7/16 from deep, but their 0/10 on non-paint two-pointers and 5 turnovers under Cleveland’s press highlighted late-game inefficiencies. Porzingis’ 1/4 three-point shooting against Mobley’s drop coverage limited Boston’s spacing, and their bench struggled, with Horford and Pritchard combining for just 16 points. Boston’s 14 turnovers, including 4 by Tatum and Holiday, were uncharacteristic for a team that averaged 11.9 turnovers per game in the regular season.

Key Moments and Turning Points

• First-Quarter Firefight (Q1): Tatum’s 10 points and Porzingis’ 2 blocks gave Boston a 32-28 lead, but Mitchell’s 12 points, including 2 threes, kept Cleveland close.
• Jerome’s Spark (Q2): Jerome’s three-pointer ignited a 7-0 run, giving Cleveland a 60-56 halftime lead, with Garland’s 8 points outpacing Holiday’s 4.
• Boston’s Third-Quarter Surge (Q3): Brown’s 12 points and Tatum’s 8 fueled a 36-20 quarter, building a 92-80 lead, as Cleveland shot just 38.1% (8/21 FG).
• Full-Court Press (Q4): Cleveland’s press forced 5 turnovers, including Strus’ steal on Brown, leading to Mitchell’s and-1 layup, cutting the deficit to 102-100 with 7:12 left.
• Mitchell’s Step-Back Three (Q4): Mitchell’s three over White at 1:45 gave Cleveland a 119-116 lead, sparking a 10-2 run that sealed the game.
• Mobley’s Dagger (Q4): Mobley’s offensive rebound and putback at 0:28 extended the lead to 122-116, deflating Boston’s comeback hopes.
• White’s Miss (Q4): White’s open three-pointer with 8.8 seconds left, trailing 122-118, rimmed out, ending Boston’s chance to close the gap.

Playoff Context and Series Implications

Cleveland’s Game 1 victory marked their first playoff win at TD Garden since the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals, giving them home-court advantage in a series projected to go six or seven games. Mitchell’s 38 points built on his 43-point Game 3 performance against Indiana in the semifinals, cementing his status as a playoff superstar. The Cavaliers’ ability to rally from a 12-point deficit mirrors their February 28, 2025, regular-season comeback against Boston, suggesting resilience against the defending champions. For Boston, the loss raises concerns about their three-point shooting (25% through two playoff games vs. New York) and late-game execution, as Tatum and Brown combined for 4/12 in the fourth. The Celtics, who went down 2-0 at home in 2023 before rallying against Miami, face pressure to adjust in Game 2.

Historical Context

The Cavaliers and Celtics have a storied playoff rivalry, meeting four times since 2015, with Cleveland winning three (2015, 2017, 2018) during the LeBron James era. Boston’s 4-1 win in the 2024 semifinals, despite Cleveland’s Game 2 blowout (118-94), underscored their dominance, but the Cavaliers’ 2-2 regular-season split in 2024-25, including a 123-116 win on February 28, showed their competitiveness. Cleveland’s 50-32 record and No. 1 seed contrast with Boston’s 43-39 mark, but the Celtics’ championship pedigree and 22-9 road playoff record since 2021 make them formidable. This Game 1 upset flips the narrative, positioning Cleveland as a legitimate threat to Boston’s repeat hopes.

Looking Ahead

Game 2 on May 9, 2025, at TD Garden is pivotal, with Cleveland aiming to take a 2-0 lead and Boston desperate to avoid a repeat of their 2023 2-0 home deficit. The Cavaliers must sustain their three-point shooting and defensive pressure, with Mobley’s versatility and Mitchell’s scoring carrying the load. Boston needs to improve their 31.7% three-point shooting and protect the ball, as their 14 turnovers were a season high in the playoffs. Tatum’s fourth-quarter struggles (2/7 FG) and Porzingis’ ineffectiveness against Mobley require adjustments, potentially leaning on White and Holiday for more offense. The series’ outcome may hinge on Cleveland’s bench depth and Boston’s ability to regain their championship form.

Conclusion

The Cleveland Cavaliers’ 124-118 victory over the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Semifinals was a playoff masterclass, driven by Donovan Mitchell’s 38 points, Evan Mobley’s two-way brilliance, and a relentless full-court press. Cleveland’s 15 three-pointers, 12 offensive rebounds, and 16 points off turnovers overcame Boston’s early lead and Jayson Tatum’s 34 points. The Celtics’ late-game collapse, marked by 14 turnovers and 31.7% three-point shooting, exposed vulnerabilities against Cleveland’s pace and depth. As the series shifts to Game 2, this game will be remembered as a defining moment for the Cavaliers and a wake-up call for the defending champions.