Celtics Edge Cavaliers 112-105 Behind Derrick White’s Clutch 3-Pointers

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Boston Celtics secured a hard-fought 112-105 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night, fueled by Derrick White‘s clutch fourth-quarter performance. White sank four crucial 3-pointers in the final period, finishing with 20 points and helping the Celtics overcome the Eastern Conference-leading Cavaliers on their home court.

The Celtics’ defense stifled Cleveland, holding the Cavaliers to 39.6% shooting from the field and just 11-of-39 from beyond the arc. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with a team-high 31 points, but his efforts weren’t enough to prevent Boston from narrowing the gap in the Eastern Conference standings to 4.5 games.

White’s sharpshooting proved decisive, as he went 6-of-12 from 3-point range. His late-game heroics underscored Boston’s resilience in a tightly contested matchup. “Derrick was phenomenal when we needed him most,” Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said. “He stepped up and made big plays.”

The Cavaliers, who entered the game as the top seed in the East, struggled to find their rhythm against Boston’s defensive pressure. Despite Mitchell’s scoring outburst, Cleveland’s supporting cast couldn’t match the Celtics’ balanced attack. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 45 points, providing consistent offensive production throughout the game.

With the win, Boston improved to 37-15 on the season, while Cleveland dropped to 41-10. The Cavaliers remain in first place, but the Celtics’ victory signals a potential shift in the conference hierarchy as the playoffs approach.

Postgame analysis from NBA analysts Vince Carter, Candace Parker, and Shaquille O'Neal highlighted Cleveland’s need for adjustments. “The Cavs have to figure out how to close out games against elite teams,” Carter said. “This loss exposes some areas they need to address before the postseason.”

The Celtics will look to build on this momentum as they continue their road trip, while the Cavaliers aim to regroup and maintain their hold on the East’s top spot.