Cavs rally from 22 down, win critical last-second challenge to stun Celtics, snap 11-game winning streak

THE Cleveland Cavaliers cooled the burn Boston Celtics in breathtaking fashion on Tuesday.

Triggered by a backup Dean Wadethe Cavs recovered from a 22-point deficit in the fourth quarter, then committed a last-second foul on Jayson Tatum overturned beat the Celtics, 105-104ending Boston’s 11-game winning streak.

The Cavaliers trailed 93-71 with 9 minutes remaining, then went on a 34-11 run to close out the fourth quarter capped by a Wade dunk with 19 seconds remaining. With Boston leading 104-103 in the final 30 seconds of the game, Garland of Darius drove to the basket for a contested layup. He missed, but Wade was there for the putback to give the Cavs the lead and send the Cleveland crowd into a frenzy.

For a moment, Tatum seemed to be playing the role of spoiler on the other end of the line. The Celtics All-Star stopped for a jump shot in the final seconds of the game. He missed the game, but a whistle blew with 0.7 seconds left on the clock. Officials ruled that Garland fouled Tatum on the shot, which would have put the 82.9 percent free throw shooter in play with a chance to win the game.

Garland barely touched Tatum after he released the ball. He then collided with Tatum’s leg as Tatum fell to the ground. The Cavs didn’t like the call and head coach JB Bickerstaff used his challenge. Garland’s collision with Tatum’s leg proved crucial in the outcome of the match.

After review, officials determined there was no foul on the crucial play. Official Zachary Zarba announced that “Tatum’s right leg kick was deemed to make contact with Garland where contact otherwise would not have occurred. Therefore, the on-field decision is canceled”.

The officials didn’t call an offensive foul on Tatum, so the Celtics and Cavaliers jumped to center court with 0.7 seconds remaining. The Celtics won the tip, but there wasn’t enough time on the clock to call a timeout. The game was over and the Cavs came away with a stunner on their home court.

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With the win, the Cavaliers improved to 40-21 to move within a half-game of second place. Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference standings. The Celtics, first, fall to 48-13, but remain masters of the conference, with 7.5 games ahead of the Bucks. If this was a preview of the second round of the playoffs, we’re in for a thriller.

The Cavs entered Tuesday’s game with key players injured. Star Donovan Mitchell missed a third straight game with a bone bruise in his left knee. The injury required a platelet-rich plasma injection Monday, and the Cavaliers announced he would miss at least three games. Max Strus missed the game with a knee injury.

Then in the third trimester, forward Evan Mobley fell with an apparent injury to his left ankle after twisting his ankle during a dunk.

He was able to limp back to the locker room, but did not return to the game. His status beyond Tuesday was not immediately clear.

The Celtics led 69-62 at the time of Mobley’s injury and extended that advantage to 87-61 to end the third quarter. A 6-0 run to start the fourth seemingly gave Boston complete control of the game.

Wade saves the Cavs with a huge 4th quarter

But Wade had other ideas. The reserve guard who entered Tuesday averaging 5.1 points per game had 20 points in the fourth quarter to lead Cleveland’s rally. He made two 3-pointers in three possessions to stop the Celtics’ run. With 2:35 left, his fifth 3-pointer of the quarter gave the Cavs their first lead of the second half at 102-99.

Then came the backhand dunk that gave the Cavs the lead for good. In the end, Wade had 23 points, eight rebounds and two steals after starting the fourth quarter with three points. He shot 8 of 11 from the field including 6 of 9 from 3-point range.

He celebrates his effort with an impressed Travis Kelce after the match.

Jarrett Allen was Cleveland’s best starter, totaling 21 points and 12 rebounds.

Tatum led the Celtics with 26 points and 13 rebounds while shooting 5 of 9 from 3-point range. But his late kick kept Boston from winning the game. Kristaps Porzingis returned from a one-game absence during Sunday’s blowout Warriors of the Golden State to total 24 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals. Jaylen Brown added 21 points.

In the end, Cleveland’s long-range shot unleashed by Wade proved to be the difference in the game. The Cavaliers overcame a 53-42 rebounding deficit with a 20-of-42 (47.6%) effort from beyond the arc to secure the victory in a possible playoff preview.