For the Boston Celtics, it usually indicates good things when Jaylen Brown or Jayson Tatum are clicking. It’s also been helping Derrick White have more open floor time and 3-point shooting opportunities this postseason. That has given a team that was already the best in the East another level of difficulty.

In Game 1 of their second-round playoff series on Tuesday night, the Boston Celtics defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 120-95 behind scores of 32 points from Brown and 25 from White, who also made seven 3-pointers.

With his 18 points and 11 rebounds in the second half, Tatum contributed to the Celtics’ victory.

It’s a pleasant feeling. Winning, in my opinion, is what matters most,” White remarked. As I’ve already stated, it makes no difference if I receive a zero or any other number today. I’ll have done enough when we triumph.

The Cavaliers maintained their early tempo and made 11 of their 42 3-point attempts. However, the Celtics were even more effective from beyond the arc, making 18 of 46 shots during the contest.

Boston had a 15-point advantage going into the fourth quarter thanks to it. The Celtics then went on a 10-2 run to take a 102-79 advantage early in the fourth quarter.

Early in the fourth quarter, Brown made a 3-pointer from the top of the key and, like Golden State’s Stephen Curry, twisted his head before the ball went in the hoop.

Brown remarked, “I had it rolling tonight.” All you want to do is show up and execute the proper plays and readings. That is all there is to it. playing with confidence and using your teammates as leverage.

Boston will host Game 2 on Thursday night.

Throughout the season, White has had a ton of open looks thanks to the attention on Tatum and Brown. In a span of six games, White’s 28 3-pointers are the most in Celtics postseason history. When he has attempted at least 12 3-pointers, Boston has also won its previous 21 games.

For the Cavaliers, Donovan Mitchell scored 33 points and dished out six assists. Joining Michael Jordan (twice), Kobe Bryant, and Wilt Chamberlain as the only players in league history to score 30 points or more in six consecutive postseason series openers, he is the fourth best player in history.

The 14 points came from Darius Garland.

After playing 45 minutes in Cleveland’s first-round victory against Orlando in Game 7, Mitchell played 37 minutes. Although it’s a lot, coach J.B. Bickerstaff said they need to be careful how much pressure they put on him.

We make every effort to keep him visible. He spends more than 40 minutes a game on it. Because we are aware of his significance, we are making every effort to keep him visible,” Bickerstaff stated. “But he won’t have anything left in the fourth quarter because we won’t run him into the ground.”

According to Mitchell, he is prepared for the load.

He remarked, “I know I have to score the ball.”

After scoring 25 and 38 points respectively in the last two games of the first-round series against the Miami Heat, White continued where he left off.

White spearheaded the Celtics аttаck early on as the Cavaliers were blazing hоt from three-point range. He has made at least six threes in the postseason for the third time.

Both sides were without their starting center for the game. Jarrett Allen of Cleveland missed his team’s last four games due to a bruised rib he suffered against Orlando in the first round. Due to a strained right calf, Kristaps Porzingis of Boston missed his second straight game.

The top-seeded Celtics, who easily defeated the Heat in the opening round, were given a longer break. With nine of Brown’s scores in their early 12-2 lead, they appeared to be a well-rested team.

For Cleveland, Mitchell was equally as аggressive, scoring eight points in a 21-9 run that gave the Cavaliers a slight lead again.

However, Boston calmed down and finished the first quarter with a 19-11 run to lead 40-34 going into the second.

The first half’s 74 total points were third-highest in franchise history and the most in a Celtics playoff game since 1990.

At the half, the Celtics had a 59-49 advantage.

Mitchell, who was a member of White’s 2019 US World Cup squad, stated he is not shocked by his old colleague’s performance.

“He seems to have added some things to his game, in my opinion. Whatever you need from him, he’s the guy you can always count on,” Mitchell remarked. “There’s a big, unselfish guy that comes in tonight. He might go 0-for, but he’s playing different and defensive positions.”