The Boston Celtics found themselves at the center of one of the NBA’s most unpredictable nights. They controlled the early stages but struggled to maintain their lead. The Cleveland Cavaliers rallied and secured a 123-116 victory. This loss marked Boston’s second consecutive defeat, raising concerns about their recent form. Celtics’ defensive struggles left the team vulnerable down the stretch. After the game, Jaylen Brown reflected on the team performance.
“Looking forward to the next time we see them…I think it was a good fight…I think, give credit to Cleveland, they played well. They shot the ball incredibly well, made timely baskets, and they climbed back into the game on the road. That’s tough to do. So you’ve gotta give them credit,” stated Jaylen Brown as reported by the Athletic.
The Celtics’ defense is typically one of the most reliable in the NBA. However, they struggled to bounce back from their poor performance against the Detroit Pistons, which carried over into their matchup with the Cavaliers. Boston’s defensive issues were especially evident in the closing moments.
Despite leading for most of the game, they failed to contain Cleveland’s three-point shooting and gave up too many second-chance opportunities. These lapses ultimately cost them the game.
Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on February 02, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla speaks out after tough loss to Cavaliers
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla did not shy away from accountability after Boston’s tough loss to the Cavaliers. He acknowledged that the entire team, including himself, needed to improve.
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“In a game where you lose like that, everybody has to be better. Coaches have to be better, players have to be better. You’ve gotta make better adjustments. You’ve gotta put guys in better positions,” stated Joe Mazzulla.
Despite the loss, Mazzulla defended the contributions of Sam Hauser, highlighting his impact on defense. “He (Sam Hauser) has been a great defender in the league for the last 2-3 years. He’s earned a reputation for that,” stated Joe Mazzulla.
Celtics’ offense continues to rank among the NBA’s best
Despite the surprising loss to the Cavaliers, the Boston Celtics’ offense remained a bright spot. Jaylen Brown played an outstanding game. He scored 37 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and added 2 assists.
Jayson Tatum was equally impressive. He finished with 46 points and dished out 9 assists. His impact went beyond scoring. He also secured 11 defensive rebounds, showing his presence on both ends of the floor. These performances prove that the Celtics’ offense remains one of the best in the NBA.
