The Cleveland Cavaliers pulled off one of the most stunning comebacks of the season on February 28, 2025, overcoming a staggering 25-3 deficit to defeat the Boston Celtics 123-116 at TD Garden. This thrilling victory not only showcased the Cavaliers' resilience and determination but also set the stage for what could become one of the fiercest rivalries in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Initially, it seemed like it would be another routine night for the home team, as the Celtics darted out to the early advantage, led by the impressive performances of their stars, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Tatum wasted no time establishing dominance, scoring 18 points within the first quarter and ending the half with 30 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists. This phenomenal start made history as Tatum became the first player during the NBA's play-by-play era to record such statistics before halftime.
“Just being aggressive and in a good rhythm. We did what we were trying to do, and the actions and spacing we were trying to attack worked effectively,” Tatum remarked about his performance.
While Tatum commanded the floor with his exceptional shooting and playmaking, Brown contributed significantly as well, adding 37 points, making him one of the few players to surpass 30 points alongside Tatum. Their efforts fueled Boston to build up what seemed like an insurmountable lead, pushing it to 25-3 early on.
Despite being without starters Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, who were sidelined by injury and illness, respectively, the Celtics appeared poised to secure the win. Fans buzzed with excitement anticipating yet another triumph for the reigning champions. Yet, as history has shown, the NBA can be unpredictable, and the Cavaliers were ready to execute their master plan.
Led by Donovan Mitchell, who scored 41 points (including 12 in the decisive fourth quarter), the Cavaliers launched their assault back, attacking the rim and finding their rhythm on the court, leaving no doubt about their resolve. Mitchell's scoring ability and clutch performance were pivotal; he netted five straight points down the stretch to push the Cavaliers to 119-114 eventually. “I thrive on these big moments—this is what you live for as a player,” Mitchell stated post-game.
Accompanying Mitchell's efforts, Darius Garland also stepped up significantly, contributing 20 points and 7 assists. The dynamic duo of Mitchell and Garland targeted Sam Hauser defensively, exploiting his matchups throughout the second half. “He’s been a great defender... the confidence come from having him in the game, being able to defend,” said Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla, acknowledging the challenge his team faced.
The comeback wasn't merely attributed to Mitchell and Garland; the entire Cavaliers' squad fought valiantly, showcasing their depth and team dynamics. Their bench outscored the Celtics' bench 33-6, underscoring the importance of team contributions beyond the starters. This performance exemplifies the Cavaliers' grit and determination as they inch closer to securing the top seed for the playoffs.
Despite the loss, the Celtics performed admirably, with Tatum and Brown combining for 83 points, but the lack of support from their bench became evident. The Celtics hit 43 percent from three-point range and recorded high offensive efficiency, but the Cavaliers' relentless play was simply too much to handle. Al Horford reflected on the team's strategy, stating, “Obviously the other team’s not going to keep playing bad, they’re going to make some plays, they’re going to make a run...”
The outcome of the game not only impacts current standings—Cleveland now holds 49 victories—creating a significant 7.5 game lead over Boston—but also sets the tone for any potential playoff meetings. With this win, the Cavaliers claim victory across the season series between the teams, leaving fans buzzing with excitement over their future encounters. If both teams meet again during the playoffs, the foundation for one intense battle has already been established with this remarkable comeback.
On this memorable night, the Cavaliers demonstrated their ability to compete against the best, and with less than two months remaining before the playoffs, the buzz around this matchup only continues to grow. Teams should know: never count the Cavaliers out, especially when they have players like Mitchell and Garland poised to fight back from any deficit. With the playoffs looming, all eyes will be on how both teams adjust and prepare for the challenges to come. The potential for another showdown looms on the horizon amid talk of championship glory.