The 2024 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals offered basketball fans an electric showdown between the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers. What began as a matchup between a seasoned, top-seeded Boston squad and a determined, underdog Cleveland team quickly turned into a showcase of elite-level basketball, star-driven performances, and team resilience.
Over five games, fans witnessed brilliant moments from Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and several other key contributors. In this article, we dive deep into Boston Celtics vs Cleveland Cavaliers Match Player Stats, analyze the series-defining performances, and highlight the trends that tilted the series in Boston’s favor, ultimately leading to their 4–1 series victory.
Introduction: A Clash of Talent and Grit
The Boston Celtics entered the series with the best record in the NBA, while the Cleveland Cavaliers had already survived a brutal first-round battle. Expectations were high, especially given the dynamic scorers on both sides — Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown for the Celtics and Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland for the Cavaliers.
The Celtics, seeking redemption after falling short in recent playoff runs, displayed a level of execution and discipline that set them apart. However, Cleveland didn’t go down without a fight — even missing stars like Mitchell and Jarrett Allen later in the series, the Cavaliers showed flashes of brilliance, especially through Evan Mobley’s growth.
Let’s now explore each game in detail, with full breakdowns of player stats and takeaways.
Game 1 Recap: Boston’s Statement Win
Final Score: Boston Celtics 120 – Cleveland Cavaliers 95
Date: May 7, 2024 | Location: TD Garden, Boston
Boston wasted no time setting the tone. Jaylen Brown exploded for 32 points, attacking the paint with aggression while also connecting from deep. Derrick White played arguably one of the best games of his playoff career, hitting 7-of-12 from three-point range.
On Cleveland’s end, Donovan Mitchell kept them competitive with 33 points but received little support from his teammates.
Key Player Stats:
- Jaylen Brown: 32 PTS | 6 REB | 2 AST | 12-18 FG
- Derrick White: 25 PTS | 5 AST | 7-12 3PT
- Jayson Tatum: 18 PTS | 11 REB | 5 AST
- Donovan Mitchell (CLE): 33 PTS | 6 REB | 5 AST
- Evan Mobley (CLE): 17 PTS | 13 REB | 2 BLK
Takeaway: Boston’s perimeter shooting overwhelmed Cleveland’s defense. Their ability to switch defensively and rebound limited the Cavaliers’ transition game.
Game 2 Recap: Cavaliers Punch Back
Final Score: Cleveland Cavaliers 118 – Boston Celtics 94
Date: May 9, 2024 | Location: TD Garden, Boston
Cleveland flipped the script in Game 2, fueled by Donovan Mitchell’s scoring outburst and strong bench contributions. Mitchell scored 29 points, with 16 of those in a red-hot third quarter. Evan Mobley continued his postseason emergence with a third consecutive double-double.
Boston’s offense sputtered. Tatum’s 25 points weren’t enough to overcome the poor shooting performance of the team (8-of-35 from deep).
Key Player Stats:
- Donovan Mitchell (CLE): 29 PTS | 8 AST | 5 REB
- Evan Mobley (CLE): 21 PTS | 10 REB | 3 BLK
- Caris LeVert (CLE): 21 PTS | 7-13 FG
- Jayson Tatum: 25 PTS | 7 REB
- Jaylen Brown: 19 PTS | 6 REB | 4 AST
Takeaway: Cleveland’s tighter rotations and energy on defense led to stops and fast-break opportunities. Boston’s three-point dependence hurt them when shots weren’t falling.
Game 3 Recap: Tatum’s All-Around Brilliance
Final Score: Boston Celtics 106 – Cleveland Cavaliers 93
Date: May 11, 2024 | Location: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland
Boston regained control of the series in Game 3, with Tatum stepping up. He finished with 33 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 assists in a performance that showed his MVP-caliber versatility. Jaylen Brown backed him with 28 points on hyper-efficient shooting.
Mitchell again scored 33, but Boston’s team defense began to take away his driving lanes in the second half.
Key Player Stats:
- Jayson Tatum: 33 PTS | 13 REB | 6 AST | 11-25 FG
- Jaylen Brown: 28 PTS | 13-17 FG | 3 REB
- Jrue Holiday: 18 PTS | 4 AST | 3 STL
- Donovan Mitchell (CLE): 33 PTS | 5 AST
- Evan Mobley (CLE): 17 PTS | 8 REB
Takeaway: Tatum showed why he’s Boston’s leader, doing it all on both ends. Holiday’s defense of Mitchell also started to turn the tide.
Game 4 Recap: Celtics Exploit Short-Handed Cavs
Final Score: Boston Celtics 109 – Cleveland Cavaliers 102
Date: May 13, 2024 | Location: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland
With Mitchell sidelined by a calf strain, the Cavaliers relied heavily on Darius Garland and Caris LeVert. Garland impressed with 30 points, but Boston’s depth made the difference.
Tatum and Brown again combined for over 60 points, and Jrue Holiday’s perimeter defense stifled Cleveland’s ball movement.
Key Player Stats:
- Jayson Tatum: 33 PTS | 11 REB | 5 AST
- Jaylen Brown: 27 PTS | 5 REB
- Darius Garland (CLE): 30 PTS | 7 AST
- Caris LeVert (CLE): 19 PTS | 4 REB
- Evan Mobley (CLE): 19 PTS | 8 REB
Takeaway: Without Mitchell, Cleveland’s offense struggled to generate consistent looks. Boston capitalized with smart rotations and veteran poise.
Game 5 Recap: Celtics Close the Door
Final Score: Boston Celtics 113 – Cleveland Cavaliers 98
Date: May 15, 2024 | Location: TD Garden, Boston
Al Horford turned back the clock in Game 5, dropping 22 points, grabbing 15 rebounds, and drilling six threes. Tatum was steady again with 25 points and nearly posted a triple-double.
Evan Mobley was Cleveland’s brightest spot, tying his season-high with 33 points, but Garland had a poor shooting night (4-of-17).
Key Player Stats:
- Al Horford: 22 PTS | 15 REB | 6 3PT | 5 AST | 3 BLK
- Jayson Tatum: 25 PTS | 10 REB | 8 AST | 4 STL
- Derrick White: 18 PTS | 4 AST
- Evan Mobley (CLE): 33 PTS | 7 REB | 2 BLK
- Darius Garland (CLE): 11 PTS | 4-17 FG | 6 AST
- Marcus Morris Sr. (CLE): 25 PTS | 10-13 FG | 5 3PT
Takeaway: Boston’s experience, depth, and defensive versatility proved too much. Horford’s performance made NBA history — the first player with 15+ rebounds, 5+ assists, 5+ threes, and 3+ blocks in a playoff game.
Series Statistical Leaders
| Category | Player | Stat |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | Jayson Tatum | 26.8 |
| Rebounds Per Game | Jayson Tatum | 10.6 |
| Assists Per Game | Jayson Tatum | 6.2 |
| Steals Per Game | Jrue Holiday | 2.0 |
| Blocks Per Game | Al Horford | 2.1 |
| 3PT Shooting % (Min. 20 attempts) | Derrick White | 45.3% |
Tatum became only the second player since 1973–74 to lead a playoff series in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks, joining LeBron James.
Insights and Analysis
1. Boston’s Two-Way Dominance
The Celtics’ ability to lock down the perimeter while stretching the floor offensively with elite three-point shooting made them nearly impossible to beat. Their switch-heavy defense neutralized Cleveland’s guards, while the offensive fluidity gave stars like Tatum and Brown freedom to operate.
2. Cleveland’s Youth on Display
Despite the loss, Evan Mobley’s performance was a major bright spot. He showed signs of developing into a true two-way star. Garland had a few shining moments but lacked consistency.
3. Depth and Veteran Impact
Boston’s role players — Al Horford, Derrick White, and Jrue Holiday — were essential. Their contributions didn’t just fill gaps; they often turned games around.
Conclusion: Celtics Rise, Cavaliers Reflect
The Celtics proved why they’re the Eastern Conference favorites. They combined elite individual performances with disciplined team basketball. Tatum’s all-around dominance, Brown’s efficiency, and Horford’s historic night sealed a commanding series win.
For Cleveland, the series offered more than just disappointment. It highlighted Mobley’s star trajectory and gave their young core meaningful playoff reps. With a healthy roster, they remain one of the East’s most promising teams.
As Boston marches toward championship contention, their victory over the Cavaliers stands as a testament to experience, preparation, and relentless execution.
