BOSTON — Will the Eastern Conference produce a team capable of truly challenging the Celtics?
In their initial second-round matchup, the Cleveland Cavaliers attempted to rise to the occasion but fell short. Despite a 33-point performance from All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, the rest of the team couldn't muster enough support in Game 1 at TD Garden on Tuesday night. While such efforts may have surpassed the Orlando Magic, against Boston — who triumphed 120-95 — they were insufficient.

The Celtics demonstrated their depth, with several players reaching double figures effortlessly. Jaylen Brown ignited early, dropping 15 of his total 32 points in the first quarter. Derrick White contributed 14 of his 25 points in the third quarter. Jrue Holiday and Payton Pritchard combined for a solid 30 points. Even on an off-shooting night, Jayson Tatum managed to accumulate 18 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, showing the team’s strength doesn’t hinge on his performance alone.
Missing from the lineup was Kristaps Porziņģis, yet the team didn't skip a beat.

"Our roster has become more formidable with players like Porziņģis and the emergence of Derrick White," Brown stated, having shot an efficient 12-for-18 from the field. "It’s about making the most of each opportunity. Our team has diverse talents that enhance our overall effectiveness and my personal efficiency. My goal is to maximize every moment I have the ball."
The ambiance at TD Garden mirrored that of an intense regular-season clash, continuing the electric atmosphere observed since the playoffs commenced. Even when the Miami Heat managed to take Game 2 from Boston, the absence of Jimmy Butler left few convinced of a real threat. Subsequent games were dominant victories for the Celtics, seeming to serve more as a celebratory send-off for legendary broadcaster Mike Gorman than competitive matchups.Gorman received the loudest applause of the evening Tuesday when featured on the Jumbotron, with Pritchard's buzzer-beating three-pointer to end the third quarter — extending the lead to 92-77 — also stirring significant excitement. From that point, the Celtics controlled the game, much to the delight of their fans, pushing the lead further in the fourth quarter.
Observers in Boston remain skeptical of Cleveland’s ability to be a genuine contender. The Cavaliers were efficient in shooting during the first quarter but still found themselves trailing. In contrast, the Celtics managed to maintain their lead by halftime despite a dip in their shooting percentages in the second quarter.
"The game stayed close only because we weren’t converting our shots while they scored on the other end," explained Brown. "Our defense eventually tightened, and once we started hitting shots, we could play our game."
The Celtics clinched a decisive 25-point victory and believe their best play is yet to come.
"There’s always room to strive for a higher level," remarked Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla. "It’s about recognizing our strengths but also being aware of areas needing improvement."
Brown added, "The playoffs are unpredictable. It's challenging for any team to beat us four times given our consistent execution and intensity."
Looking ahead, potential rivals like the New York Knicks face their own challenges, with key players sidelined and heavy reliance on a tight rotation. Meanwhile, the Celtics have managed their players' minutes effectively, keeping their starters fresh.
As for other Eastern threats, Boston has historically neutralized players like Pascal Siakam and doesn't seem overly concerned by others like Myles Turner.
Anticipating the return of Porziņģis, possibly next round, Boston remains confident, viewing their first-game dominance over Cleveland as a statement of their readiness.
"We have various strategies to secure wins," Tatum noted, emphasizing the difficulty opponents face in predicting and countering Boston’s game plan.
While a straightforward path to the NBA Finals may seem favorable, the true test awaits against whichever powerhouse emerges from the Western Conference’s rigorous contests.
For now, Boston’s focus shifts to Game 2, back at TD Garden on Thursday.