The Boston Celtics suffered a 123-116 home loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night after squandering a 22-point lead.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown did everything they could, combining for 83 points – their highest single-game output as a duo. However, their efforts went down the drain, as they didn’t get much from other teammates.
Derrick White was the other double-digit scorer for Boston, notching 16 points, five assists, three steals, and four three-pointers on 5-for-12 shooting from the field.
The Cleveland Cavaliers improved to a 49-10 record, while the Boston Celtics dropped to 42-18. These two teams are on top of the Eastern Conference table.
Boston Celtics News: Jaylen Brown calls out the Cleveland Cavaliers for flopping
The Cleveland Cavaliers made a huge comeback in the third period, outscoring the Boston Celtics 31-24. One of the game’s turning points was when Jaylen Brown had to sit out most of the third quarter after an offensive foul call early in the period – his fourth personal.
“I think that changed the game. I got an offensive foul on a rebound…It is what it is. Wish we could get it back. I don’t think it was a foul,” Brown explained via SB Nation’s Noa Dalzell.
“When these little guys flop, they’re inclined to call it,” he added.
