The Boston Celtics are getting used to close contests, and Sunday night was no exception. On a second night of a back-to-back, the Green Team escaped Rocket Arena with a 117-115 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Boston has been in five straight games decided by 10 points or less, posting a 3-2 record in that span. However, the Sunday showdown wasn't always a tight matchup. The C's led by as many as 21 points and held an 11-point advantage with 4:32 remaining in the fourth quarter. Undaunted, the Cavs surged back and a tough 3-pointer from point guard Darius Garland with 1.2 seconds remaining in the final frame cut the Celtics' lead to 1.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementCleveland decided to play the foul game and put Celtics star Jaylen Brown on the line. He split a pair of free throws to make the affair 117-115 in Boston's favor with 0.7 seconds left and the ball in Cleveland's hands.
Ultimately, the Cavaliers' final shot fell short of the basket as the buzzer sounded thanks to some solid defense from rookie center Amari Williams.
The star of the show for the C's was reigning Sixth Man of the Year Payton Pritchard, who finished with 42 points (one short of tying a career-high) while shooting over 68% from the field. Celtics wing Jordan Walsh also finished with a career-high 14 points and Brown recorded his first triple-double (19 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists) since January of 2024.
Let's take a look at some of the best flicks from Boston's dramatic road win.
Nov 30, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) celebrates after making a three point basket during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
Nov 30, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) drives on Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
Nov 30, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jordan Walsh (27) shoots a three point shot over Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
Nov 30, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) celebrates after making a three point basket during the first half against the Boston Celtics at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
Nov 30, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Boston Celtics forward Xavier Tillman (26) looks to pass the ball from his back during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
Nov 30, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Boston Celtics guard Anfernee Simons (4) drives on Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (32) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
Nov 30, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) gets out of the stands after keeping the ball in play during the first half against the Boston Celtics at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
Nov 30, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) goes to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) and guard Jaylon Tyson (20) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
Nov 30, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) drives on Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn ImagesListen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: The Celtics did enough to hold off the surging Cavs down the stretch
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