Jayson Tatum's 25-point performance propels the Celtics to a 113-98 victory over the Cavaliers, securing their spot in the Eastern Conference finals for the third consecutive year.

 

J.B. Bickerstaff addresses future after Game 5 loss to Celtics

Cleveland coach J.B. Bickerstaff addresses the media about his future after the Cavaliers crashed out of the playoffs at the hands of the Celtics.

As the game came to a halt and the Celtics secured victory, Horford directed his attention towards the sideline. He took a few steps, paused, and raised his hands overhead, eliciting thunderous applause from the already animated crowd at TD Garden.

With Jayson Tatum contributing 25 points and 10 rebounds, Boston clinched a 113-98 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night, advancing to the Eastern Conference finals for the third consecutive season. Horford's impressive performance of 22 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists, including six of Boston’s 19 3-pointers, bolstered the Celtics to their third straight victory, wrapping up the series in five games.

Reflecting on the win, Horford, who joined elite company alongside LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for his playoff performance, remarked, “We had a great opportunity at home to handle this, and I knew it was going to take a lot more than handling it normally.” The Celtics now await the outcome of the series between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers, with New York leading 3-2.

This marks Jaylen Brown's sixth conference finals appearance and the fifth for Tatum, underscoring the resilience and strength of the team culture. Tatum emphasized, "It just shows the character of the team, the organization. People might think it's a given we're supposed to be here. We're all in this together... We're doing something right."

Despite the Cavaliers' valiant effort, playing without key players Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, and Caris LeVert, they fell short. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff commended his team's determination, stating, “They never found the time to fold on each other. All they did was find ways to compete.”

As the Cavaliers face an uncertain offseason, with speculation surrounding Mitchell and Bickerstaff's futures, Bickerstaff remains focused on his role with the team, stating, “No one’s told me I’m not. So I’ll keep showing up until they tell me not to.”

Despite the challenges posed by the Cavaliers, the Celtics rallied, spurred on by their resilience and collective effort. Coach Joe Mazzulla praised his team's tenacity, remarking, "Guard your yard. The guys did it. It’s a credit to them.”

Horford expressed pride in Tatum and Brown's growth following last season's conference finals loss, stating, “I’m very proud of our guys continue to put work in. JT, JB, how they’ve continued to get better... Our guys continue to work and they continue to think what’s best for our group.” 

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