The Celtics faced the Cavaliers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals amid Cleveland's significant absences, including star Donovan Mitchell. Despite the advantage, Boston found themselves in a close match, familiar territory for a team accustomed to postseason struggles at home.
Led by Jayson Tatum's stellar performance and Al Horford's motivational leadership, the Celtics secured a 113-98 victory, clinching their third consecutive trip to the Eastern Conference finals and marking their sixth appearance in eight years.
Coach Joe Mazzulla emphasized the challenges of close-out games, highlighting the team's perseverance and focus on controlling what they can amidst the pressures of playoff basketball. With the Eastern Conference finals looming, Boston awaits the outcome of the Knicks-Pacers series, preparing to continue their postseason journey at TD Garden.
Reflecting on the victory, Tatum commended the collective effort of everyone within the organization, acknowledging the contributions of staff and teammates in building a winning culture. Despite early challenges, including Cleveland's strong start led by Marcus Morris Sr., Boston rallied behind Horford's energy and hustle plays to secure the crucial win.
Horford's impactful performance, coupled with the team's defensive efforts, ultimately propelled the Celtics past a resilient Cavaliers team and into the next phase of the playoffs.
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