Key Takeaways:
- Payton Pritchard delivered a season-high 42 points as Boston edged Cleveland 117-115
- Jaylen Brown posted 19 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists for his fourth career triple-double and first since Jan. 21, 2024
- Evan Mobley’s potential game-tying jumper at the buzzer fell short after Cleveland had cut a 21-point deficit to just 2
Scoreline and Late-Game Drama
In Cleveland, the Boston Celtics survived a furious late rally from the Cavaliers to secure a 117-115 victory on Sunday night, having earlier built a dominant advantage behind a scoring explosion from Payton Pritchard and an all-round masterclass from Jaylen Brown.
Boston surged ahead by 21 points in the third quarter and still held a seemingly comfortable 11-point cushion with under two minutes remaining. However, Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell, quiet for much of the evening, ignited a late charge with back-to-back 3-pointers that dragged the Cavaliers to within 114-112 with 20.5 seconds left.
WHERE MY ROAD DOGS AT 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/RDZCNH6YG9
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 1, 2025
Pritchard, who had been the primary offensive engine all game and consistently delivered key baskets in the closing stages, responded by calmly knocking down two free throws with 5.9 seconds to play, pushing the Celtics’ lead to 116-112.
Cleveland refused to fold. Darius Garland drilled a 3-pointer with 1.2 seconds on the clock, trimming the margin to 116-115. After a timeout, the Cavs immediately fouled Brown on the inbounds pass. Brown converted only one of his two free throws, leaving the door open for a final Cleveland possession.
The Cavaliers drew up a look for Evan Mobley, but his jumper at the horn came up short, allowing Boston to escape with a narrow win.
Star Performances and Statistical Highlights
Pritchard produced a season-best scoring outing, pouring in 42 points to lead all scorers and repeatedly punishing the Cavaliers’ defence, particularly in the second half and during the tense closing minutes.
Brown completed a statistical triple-threat performance with 19 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists, registering his fourth career triple-double and his first since Jan. 21, 2024, at Houston. It was a strong personal response after he had scored 41 points in a defeat at Minnesota on Saturday.
For Cleveland, Mobley was highly effective on both ends, finishing with 27 points and 14 rebounds. Garland added 21 points, including the late 3-pointer that gave the Cavs a final lifeline. Mitchell, one of the league’s top scorers, was largely contained until his pair of clutch 3-pointers in the final minute and ended the night with 18 points – 12 below his season average.
Boston also received a major boost from Jordan Walsh, who set career-highs with 14 points and 11 rebounds, contributing vital energy and production with the Celtics undermanned.
| Team | Final Score | Top Scorer | Key Contributor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Celtics | 117 | Payton Pritchard – 42 points | Jaylen Brown – 19 pts, 12 reb, 11 ast |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 115 | Evan Mobley – 27 points | Darius Garland – 21 points |
Injury Report and Rotational Absences
Both sides entered the contest heavily depleted, forcing adjustments to line-ups and rotations.
The Celtics, who had been without star Jayson Tatum all season, opted to rest Derrick White due to a calf bruise and Neemias Queta because of an ankle sprain. Queta was coming off an impressive outing in which he posted 19 points and 18 rebounds, but his absence further tested Boston’s depth.
Cleveland’s medical report was similarly extensive. The Cavaliers were missing starting centre Jarrett Allen with a finger sprain, forward Larry Nance Jr. with a hand sprain and guards Lonzo Ball (knee rest) and Sam Merrill (hand sprain).
Upcoming Fixtures
Next up on the schedule, the Celtics will return home to host the New York Knicks on Tuesday, looking to build on this narrow road win.
The Cavaliers will have little time to dwell on the defeat, as they travel to face the Indiana Pacers on Monday.
