Celtics proved a point with convincing Game 3 win vs. Cavaliers

The Boston Celtics proved a point to the Cleveland Cavaliers and sent a message to the rest of the NBA on Saturday night. Responding like a champion, the Celtics cruised to a 106-93 win over the Cavaliers to reclaim a lead in their second-round series. Boston was able to win by 13 despite losing the fourth quarter. 

Even though most were still expecting the Celtics to eventually win the series, the pressure was on Joe Mazzulla's team after dropping Game 2 on Thursday night. And even though the Celtics have the talent edge, some were wondering if they were actually vulnerable based on how poorly they played just two days earlier. 

On Thursday, Cleveland put forth one of their best team performances of the season, winning 118-94. But consistently, Cleveland's best was on the same night as Boston putting its worst on display. But just like a veteran team many are predicting will make a run at the NBA championship should, Boston proved why Game 2 was simply an aberration and its depth and talent are too much for most teams to handle throughout a best-of-seven series. 

In Game 2, Jayson Tatum scored 25, but Jaylen Brown failed to reach 20 points for the first time since the middle of their first-round series against Miami. Jrue Holiday added just four points of his own, his second-worst output of the playoffs so far. Brought in for his defensive prowess, Holiday was also a -21 in the game. Everyone on the roster seemingly had an "off" game. 

However, in Game 3, all of that changed and the Celtics looked like the Celtics again. Tatum led the way with 33 points while Brown scored 28. Boston is tough to beat when its top two stars combined for 61 points. Holiday also went from one of his worst overall performances to one of his best, scoring 18 as a +15 and adding eight rebounds. While Al Horford and Derrick White still struggled, they weren't even really needed in this game. 

Donovan Mitchell, who entered the game coming off 29, 33, 39 and 50-point games, did his thing again. Mitchell surpassed 30 points, scoring 33. But Mitchell did not get the support he enjoyed in Game 2 on Saturday night. Evan Mobley and Caris LeVert, who both scored 21 in Game 2, put up 17 and 15, respectively. They were not nearly as efficient either. Fair or not, based on what type of players Mitchell has around him, the Cavaliers need more from the rest to beat Boston on a consistent basis. 

All in all, Game 3 was a reverse of Game 2 and back to what the Celtics have been most of the season. Boston showed why its built to, not only win the conference again but capture the franchise's 18th championship and first since 2008. It's also important to remember Boston is also doing this without Kristaps Porzingis, too. 

If this keeps up, the Celtics should make quick work of Cleveland and be a heavy favorite in the Eastern Conference Finals against either the Knicks or Pacers.