Last Monday night in Cleveland Ohio, the Cleveland Cavaliers played the Boston Celtics in game 4 of their best of seven Eastern Conference semi finals series. This was a must win game for the Cavaliers, the Celtics lead the series 2-1 after winning game 3 last Saturday night 106-93. Playing the game at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse should be an advantage for Cleveland. The Cavaliers were not only hoping for the home court advantage, but they were also hoping that C Jarrett Allen can play in this game. He has been out with a rib injury.  Celtics F Kristaps Porzingis was ruled out for the game. Cavaliers G Donovan Mitchell was listed as questionable with a calf injury. Both Mitchell and Allen missed the afternoon shootaround for the Cavaliers.

Donovan Mitchell and Jarett Allen did not play in the game. This did not bode well for the Cleveland Cavaliers in game 4 against the Boston Celtics. Caris LeVert started in place of Mitchell. While Cleveland tried to hang with the Celtics. Boston led after the first quarter by a score of 37-30.  The Cavaliers held their own in the second quarter against the Celtics. Boston led at halftime 62-57. Boston’s leading scorer at halftime was Jayson Tatum with 23 first half points. Cleveland’s leading scorer in the first half was Max Strus with 15 points. In the 3rd quarter the Celtics started to pull away from the undermanned Cavaliers. Boston led the Cavaliers to start the 4th quarter 88-78. The Celtics were able to maintain their lead throughout the 4th quarter to win the game by a score of 109-102 and take a 3-1 series lead. The leading scorer for the Cavaliers was Darius Garland with 30 points. 17 of those points were in the 4th quarter. Boston’s leading scorer was Jayson Tatum with 33 points.

A must win game 5 is scheduled for Wednesday May 15th 7pm in Boston. Boston will be hoping for a boost from their home fans. And to close out the series in Boston. How will the Cavaliers respond to the adversity in an elimination road playoff game? We will find out Wednesday night in Boston.