The Celtics led 56-48 at haltfime, but were outscored 60-32 in the final two periods, resulting in a 20-point Cleveland win in Boston. LeBron James (36-7-9) had his usual stellar stat line, but it was Mo Williams who keyed the Cavs’ run in the second half, scoring 16 of his 19 points in the last two quarters.
Shaquille O’Neal left the game with an injured thumb and did not return. Anderson Varejao filled in admirably with 14 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks.
Cleveland has struggled of late, so even though Paul Pierce missed the game due to injury, this should be a big confidence builder for the Cavs.
