Celtics Dominant, Cavaliers Impressive: Key Takeaways from NBA Playoffs

Celtics Seize Control in East, Take 2-0 Lead Against Magic

BOSTON — Led by an explosive performance from Jaylen Brown, the Boston Celtics have seized control of their first-round playoff series against the Orlando Magic. Brown scored 36 points and shot a blistering 5-7 from three-point range to lead the Celtics to a 109-100 victory, giving them a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Brown, who also grabbed 10 rebounds, wasn’t the only Celtic to notch a double-double. Kristaps Porzingis supported him with 20 points and 10 rebounds as the Celtics managed without star player Jayson Tatum, who was sidelined with a right wrist injury.

“The key sequence was at the start of the third quarter,” said Celtics coach Ime Udoka. “Brown hit two three-pointers, and then White hit another. That really stretched their defense and gave us some breathing room.”

The Magic were led by Paolo Banchero’s 32-point effort, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Celtics’ balanced attack.

Cavaliers Endure, Thrive Despite Heat’s Late Surge

CLEVELAND — Despite a late surge from the Miami Heat, the Cleveland Cavaliers held on to take a 2-0 series lead with a 121-112 victory. The Cavaliers led by 19 points late in the second quarter but had to withstand a late Heat charge that cut the lead to just two points in the fourth quarter.

hyperbolic performance by the Cavaliers from beyond the arc helped seal the win. In the second quarter alone, they sank 11 of their 16 three-point attempts, setting a new NBA record for the most three-pointers made in a quarter.

“That was an incredible performance,” said Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff. “We had to dig deep, and our guys did just that.”

The Cavaliers were led by Donovan Mitchell’s 30 points, while Tyler Herro paced the Heat with 33 points. No other Heat player scored more than 14 points.

The series now shifts to Miami for games three and four.

Injury Update: Jayson Tatum Out; Timeline Uncertain

The Celtics managed without star forward Jayson Tatum, who injured his right wrist in the fourth quarter of game one. Tatum, who averaged 26.8 points per game during the regular season, was trying to dunk when he was fouled by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and landed awkwardly. He missed his first career playoff game and will be re-evaluated before game three.

said Celtics coach Ime Udoka. "We’re hoping for the best, but we’ll know more as we get closer to game three."

**Q: When was the last time Jayson Tatum missed a playoff game?**

A: This was Tatum’s first missed playoff game in his NBA career.

**Q: Who led the Celtics in scoring in Tatum’s absence?**

A: Jaylen Brown scored 36 points against the Magic.