Jaylen Brown Leads Celtics Past Cavaliers With 109-98 Win

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Jaylen Brown Leads Celtics Past Cavaliers With 109-98 Win/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Boston Celtics defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 109-98 in a key Eastern Conference matchup. Jaylen Brown led Boston with 23 points while adding nine rebounds and eight assists. The victory completed a season sweep for the Celtics over Cleveland.

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum celebrates his 3-point basket in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Cleveland, Sunday, March 8, 2026. (AP Photo/David Richard)

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Cleveland, Sunday, March 8, 2026. (AP Photo/David Richard)

Celtics vs Cavaliers Game Highlights Quick Looks

The Boston Celtics beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 109-98.
Jaylen Brown led Boston with 23 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists.
Jayson Tatum scored 20 points in his second game back from an Achilles injury.
Boston built a dominant 81-55 lead in the third quarter.
Payton Pritchard added 18 points off the bench.
Baylor Scheierman recorded 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell scored a game-high 30 points.
Evan Mobley contributed 24 points and eight rebounds.
Boston swept the three-game season series against Cleveland.
The Celtics moved within three games of the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit team.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) shoots beside Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (30) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Cleveland, Sunday, March 8, 2026. (AP Photo/David Richard)

Deep Look

Jaylen Brown Leads Celtics to Victory Over Cavaliers

The Boston Celtics strengthened their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race Sunday with a 109-98 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland.

Star guard Jaylen Brown delivered a standout performance, finishing with 23 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, helping Boston secure a season sweep of the Cavaliers.

The win marked an important result in a matchup between two of the conference’s top teams as the NBA season moves toward its playoff stretch.

Tatum Continues Comeback Performance

Forward Jayson Tatum added 20 points in his second game back from a torn right Achilles tendon, continuing his gradual return to form.

Tatum played 27 minutes and shot 6-for-16 from the field, scoring six points in the fourth quarter as the Celtics held off a late push by Cleveland.

Early in the game, Tatum made an immediate impact. He scored 14 points in his first 12 minutes, helping Boston build a commanding early lead.

Celtics Build Big Lead Early

Boston took control of the game during the first half with efficient shooting and strong defense.

The Celtics jumped out to a 48-29 lead in the second quarter, capitalizing on Cleveland’s shooting struggles.

By halftime, Boston had extended its advantage to 56-35, aided by the Cavaliers’ cold perimeter shooting. Cleveland made just 2 of 22 three-point attempts in the first half.

The Celtics continued to dominate in the third quarter, stretching the lead to 81-55, their largest margin of the game.

Strong Supporting Performances

Boston received key contributions from several players.

Guard Payton Pritchard scored 18 points, including a critical three-pointer late in the fourth quarter that halted Cleveland’s comeback attempt.

Forward Baylor Scheierman added a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while center Neemias Queta grabbed 11 rebounds to help control the boards.

The victory brought Boston to within three games of the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit team, keeping the Celtics firmly in the race for the top seed.

Cavaliers Attempt Late Rally

Despite falling behind early, Cleveland made a push in the fourth quarter.

A three-pointer from Jaylon Tyson cut Boston’s lead to 94-86 midway through the period, briefly raising hopes for a comeback.

However, Pritchard quickly responded with a three-pointer and then scored consecutive baskets to restore Boston’s double-digit advantage and seal the win.

Mitchell Leads Cleveland Scoring

Guard Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 30 points in his return from a strained groin injury that had sidelined him since late February.

Forward Evan Mobley added 24 points and eight rebounds, while veteran guard James Harden contributed 19 points and 10 assists.

The Cavaliers entered the game on a strong run, winning seven consecutive home games and compiling a 22-9 record since late December.

Injury Notes

Cleveland was missing center Jarrett Allen, who sat out after injuring his right knee earlier in the week against Detroit.

Head coach Kenny Atkinson said Allen is improving but was not yet ready to return.

Boston also faces injury concerns. Center Nikola Vučević is expected to miss at least a month after undergoing surgery on a fractured finger.

What’s Next

The Celtics began a three-game road trip with the victory and will next travel to face the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Cavaliers return home Monday to host the Philadelphia 76ers as they look to rebound from the loss.