Donovan Mitchell, Lamar Stevens Inspire Cavs Comeback to Hand Celtics Third Straight Loss

• The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Boston Celtics in a battle of Eastern Conference contenders
• Grant Williams missed a pair of free throws near the end of regulation, denying Boston the victory
• Donovan Mitchell and Lamar Stevens took over in the fourth quarter and overtime to give the Cavs the win

The Cleveland Cavaliers extended their winning streak to two games with a thrilling 118-114 overtime victory over the Boston Celtics on Monday night.

Three players scored in double-figures for the Cavs, who improved to 7-0 in overtime games this season.

Donovan Mitchell made sure the Cavs avenged their loss to the Celtics five days earlier, leading the team in scoring with 40 points.

He shot 14 of 34 from the field, including 4 of 11 from beyond the arc. Mitchell finished with 11 rebounds and four assists.

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Evan Mobley also registered a double-double, scoring 25 points and grabbing 17 rebounds. He was also a menace on the defensive end, recording three blocks. Darius Garland added 17 points for the Cavs, per ESPN.

Stevens shines in comeback win

Cleveland’s victory would not be possible, however, without the timely contributions of Lamar Stevens. Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff turned to Stevens in the fourth quarter with Cleveland down by 14, and the reserve duly delivered.

Stevens recorded eight points and eight rebounds, providing the Cavs with a spark they badly needed.

His efforts would have ended in vain, though, if Grant Williams only made his free throws with 0.8 seconds left in the game clock. He missed both attempts after guaranteeing that he would make them both, resulting in the game having five extra minutes.

The Cavs took control in overtime, sending the Celtics to their third straight loss. It was another disappointing defeat for Joe Mazzulla’s men, who had an 11-point lead with 4:02 remaining in the contest.

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Nets hand Celtics tough loss

Sports Brief recently reported on the Celtics’ shocking loss to Brooklyn.

Boston squandered a 28-point lead in that contest, with the Celtics losing to the Nets by 10 points.

Mikal Bridges led the Nets uprising, scoring 38 points in 43 minutes.