Game 1 ended 117-113 for Boston, but it wasn't as close as
this result might suggest. The Celtics opened up a 20-point
lead after a strong third quarter and still lead by 13 with less
than two minutes to go. From a betting standpoint, it was
frustrating that Cleveland was allowed to appear as a +5.5
underdog after his death through the back door, which can
happen in the NBA. But Boston held on to winning the game
and it was always likely as they played with double
vengeance after Cleveland won both preseason meetings.
Jayson Tatum, Al Horford and Robert Williams III all
recorded double-doubles for the Celtics with a dominant
basketball performance while the Cavaliers had a more
lonely performance. Donovan Mitchell, who lost 44 points in
44 minutes. Williams has since been out with a long-term
injury, while Mitchell was forced off the field with an injury in