On May 10, 2024, the Cleveland Cavaliers delivered a significant blow to the Boston Celtics, outperforming them with a decisive 118-94 victory in the second game of their Eastern Conference semifinal matchup. This victory, which evened the series at one game each, was highlighted by an outstanding team performance, particularly in the second half where the Cavaliers outscored the Celtics by 24 points over the third and fourth quarters.
The Cavaliers showcased a well-rounded offensive effort with all five starters scoring double digits. Donovan Mitchell led with an impressive stat line of 29 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds, significantly contributing to the team’s success. Evan Mobley’s dominance in the paint was evident with 21 points and 10 rebounds, alongside his defensive prowess with five assists and two blocks. Caris LeVert also made a substantial contribution with 21 points off the bench, highlighting the depth and strategic deployment of the Cavaliers’ roster by General Manager Koby Altman.
Koby Altman‘s influence on the Cavaliers has been pivotal, especially evident in this playoff series. His strategic foresight in building a team that can perform under pressure and his decisions during the off-season and at trade deadlines are now yielding results. The team’s performance in Game 2, particularly in overcoming the Celtics’ home advantage and rebounding superiority, underscores Altman’s successful assembly of a balanced and resilient team.
Meanwhile, the Celtics faced significant criticism for their performance. Despite Jayson Tatum’s 25 points and contributions from Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard, the team struggled offensively and defensively. This game highlighted the inconsistency that has plagued Boston despite having the NBA’s best regular-season record. The critique from fans and analysts was harsh, with many pointing out the Celtics’ inability to leverage their home court advantage and their underwhelming performance in critical game moments.
Conclusion: As the series heads back to Cleveland for Game 3, all eyes will be on Koby Altman’s Cavaliers to see if they can maintain their performance and take the lead in the series. The strategic acumen of Altman, coupled with the team’s rising confidence, suggests that the Cavaliers are well-positioned to challenge for a spot in the Conference finals. The Celtics, on the other hand, will need to regroup and address their shortcomings to avoid falling behind in a tightly contested series.