The Cleveland Cavaliers are pressuring the Boston Celtics early in the second round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs. The Celtics lost 118-94 to the fiery Cavs in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semifinal. There are many areas to examine for Boston's shocking defeat; however, the play of Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, and the team's abysmal shooting night are the primary culprits.
Boston confidently entered Game 2 after a 120-95 victory in Game 1. Nevertheless, Cleveland flipped the script with a dominating two-way performance on Thursday night. Donovan Mitchell gave the Celtics endless problems. He finished the night with a game-high 29 points along with eight assists and seven rebounds.
The star guard shot a blazing 71 percent on three-pointers (five for seven) and inspired his backcourt partner to do similar damage. Darius Garland amassed 14 points and shot 80 percent (four for five) from deep range. The Mitchell-Garland pairing helped the Cavs put the Celtics in a hole. Yet, Cleveland had other contributors step up as well.
One of the biggest reasons Boston could not dominate the way they did in Game 1 was because of the Cavs' bench play. After scoring just four points in the first matchup, Caris LeVert erupted for 21 points and six rebounds on Thursday night.
Boston also received production from multiple areas, but their poor offense caused them to struggle. Star forwards Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown scored 25 and 19 respectively and both shot 41 percent from the field, but Brown went zero for six on three-pointers.
The Celtics shot a lowly 22.9 percent on threes compared to the Cavs' 46.4 accuracy. Cleveland had the upper hand in field-goal percentage, shooting 54.7 to Boston's 41.3. The Cavs upped their defensive intensity and would not let the Celtics get hot.
It was an off night for the entire team, but the individual play of two key starters must be reflected upon.
Jrue Holiday: the offensive X factor the Celtics need more of
There is no question of Jrue Holiday's exceptional defensive ability. He is one of the NBA's most consistent players on that side of the ball. However, his offense can be a wild card at times. The veteran guard averaged 12.5 points per game during the 2023-24 regular season.
His scoring mark dropped roughly seven points from a year prior when he was with the Milwaukee Bucks. Still, Holiday can drop 20 points or more on a given night, as evidenced by his hot steak in January of 2024.
Yet, Holiday is averaging just 8.8 points per game through six postseason games. He totaled four points in Game 2's loss, the lowest of all Celtics starters. Understandably, Holiday focuses on playmaking and defense with the array of talent on his team, but Boston would be in a better position if Holiday could increase his offensive production.
The Celtics need his help now more than ever with Kristaps Porzingis being out with injury. Jrue Holiday is not the only one who needs to improve.
Derrick White must find a way to warm back up
Derrick White has been a two-way force for the Celtics in 2023-24. He averaged 15.2 points, 1.2 blocks, and 1.0 steals during the regular season. White has taken his offense to another level in the playoffs, jumping to 22.0 points and a red-hot 50 percent three-point accuracy through six games.
White contributed 25 points in Boston's Game 1 win over Cleveland but did not reach the same mark in Game 2. He finished Thursday night with just 10 points and experienced a massive long-range cooldown. White went one for seven on threes.
It was surprising to see the star guard cool down as much as he did. If he can find a way to warm back up, Boston's scoring should be in better hands.
All in all, the Celtics lost a tough game, but Joe Mazzulla and his team can adjust and regain the series lead.
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