Brown, White lead Celtics to 120-95 victory over Cavaliers

In Game 1 of their second-round playoff series, the Boston Celtics showcased a dominant performance, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers with a commanding 120-95 victory on Tuesday night.

Leading the charge for the Celtics, Jaylen Brown delivered an impressive 32-point performance, while Derrick White contributed significantly with seven 3-pointers and 25 points. Jayson Tatum also made his presence felt with 18 points and 11 rebounds, aiding in the Celtics' second-half surge.

Despite an early show of competitiveness from the Cavaliers, who went 11-of-42 from 3-point range, the Celtics displayed superior efficiency from beyond the arc, connecting on 18-of-46 attempts overall.

Entering the final quarter with a 15-point lead, the Celtics further widened the gap with a decisive 10-2 run, establishing a commanding 102-79 advantage.

Donovan Mitchell stood out for the Cavaliers, notching 33 points and six assists. Remarkably, Mitchell became the fourth player in league history to achieve 30 or more points in six consecutive playoff series openers, joining the ranks of Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Wilt Chamberlain. Darius Garland added 14 points to Cleveland's effort.

Building on his stellar performances in the previous round against the Miami Heat, Derrick White continued his impressive form, showcasing his scoring prowess with another standout display, marking his third game this postseason with at least six 3-pointers.

Both teams faced challenges with their starting centers unavailable; Cleveland's Jarrett Allen missed his fourth consecutive game due to a bruised rib injury sustained in the first round, while Boston's Kristaps Porzingis remained sidelined for the second straight game with a strained right calf.

The Celtics capitalized on their top-seed status, displaying a well-rested and determined demeanor from the onset, swiftly establishing a 12-2 lead in the opening minutes, with Jaylen Brown leading the charge with nine points.

Despite a resilient effort from Mitchell and the Cavaliers, the Celtics regained control, closing the first period with a 40-34 edge after a high-scoring quarter, tallying a combined 74 points, marking the most in a Celtics' playoff game since 1990 and the third-most in franchise history.

Heading into halftime with a 59-49 lead. Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday night in Boston.