Payton Pritchards monster game powers undermanned Celtics past Cavaliers

Published: Monday, December 1, 2025 at 1:37 am

Celtics Edge Cavaliers in High-Scoring Thriller

The Boston Celtics secured a hard-fought victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers, winning 117-115 in a Sunday night matchup. The Celtics, playing without two starters, improved to 2-0 against the Cavaliers this season.

Guard Payton Pritchard led the Celtics with a season-high 42 points, including crucial free throws in the final seconds to secure the win. Jaylen Brown contributed a triple-double with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists. Rookie Jordan Walsh also had a career night, recording a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Xavier Tillman, stepping up in a starting role, delivered a significant performance with 9 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals.

The Cavaliers, missing key players, including Jarrett Allen, were led by Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, who combined for 39 points. Despite a late comeback attempt, Cleveland fell short as Evan Mobley missed a potential game-tying shot at the buzzer.

The Celtics' victory was a testament to their depth, with role players like Tillman and Walsh stepping up to fill the void left by injured starters. The team's ability to overcome a late Cavaliers surge and secure the win highlights their resilience and teamwork.

BNN's Perspective: The Celtics' win showcases the importance of a strong bench and the ability of role players to contribute when key players are out. While the Cavaliers' performance was hampered by injuries, the Celtics demonstrated their ability to adapt and execute under pressure, solidifying their position as a top contender in the Eastern Conference.

Keywords: Celtics, Cavaliers, Payton Pritchard, Jaylen Brown, Xavier Tillman, Jordan Walsh, Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, NBA, Basketball, Sports, Game Recap, Boston, Cleveland, Triple-Double, Scoring, Injuries, Eastern Conference

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