NBA Score Cavs vs Boston Game 7: Final Results and Key Highlights Breakdown
I still remember the tension in the air that Sunday afternoon at Smart Araneta Coliseum. As someone who's covered basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed countless Game 7s, but this Cavs vs Boston showdown on August 31 had that special electricity you only feel when everything's on the line. The arena was packed to capacity with 18,000 screaming fans, and honestly, I've never seen the Coliseum this loud before tip-off. Both teams entered with identical 3-3 series records, but the narrative couldn't have been more different - Cleveland fighting to preserve their legacy, Boston hungry to prove they belonged among the elite.
What struck me immediately was how both coaches adjusted their starting lineups. Cleveland surprisingly went small, starting Garland and Mitchell together in the backcourt, while Boston countered with their twin towers of Horford and Williams. The first quarter unfolded exactly as I'd predicted in my pre-game analysis - methodical, defensive-minded basketball that had both teams struggling to find rhythm. Boston edged ahead 24-22 after one, but what concerned me was Cleveland's shooting percentage - a dismal 38% from the field compared to Boston's 45%. Mitchell looked particularly off, missing three consecutive open looks from beyond the arc, and I found myself wondering if Cleveland's reliance on his heroics would cost them dearly.
The second quarter changed everything. Just when Boston seemed poised to pull away, building a 35-28 lead with 6:42 remaining, Cleveland's role players stepped up in ways I haven't seen all postseason. Dean Wade, who'd been relatively quiet throughout the series, exploded for 11 points in the quarter, including three crucial three-pointers that completely shifted the momentum. His performance reminded me why I've always argued that championship teams need unexpected contributors in big moments. The Cavs closed the half on a stunning 18-6 run, taking a 46-41 lead into the locker room. What impressed me most was their defensive intensity - they forced Boston into 8 turnovers in the quarter alone, converting them into 12 points.
Coming out of halftime, both teams traded blows in what became the most thrilling quarter of basketball I've witnessed this season. Jayson Tatum, who I believe is the most clutch player in the league right now, single-handedly kept Boston in the game, scoring 16 points in the third quarter alone. His step-back three-pointer over Mobley with 2:15 left gave Boston a brief 67-66 lead, but what happened next still gives me chills. Donovan Mitchell, struggling all game, suddenly transformed into the superstar we know him to be, answering with back-to-back threes of his own. The quarter ended with Cleveland clinging to a 72-71 advantage, setting up what promised to be an epic fourth quarter.
The final period delivered everything you'd hope for in a Game 7. Both teams exchanged leads five times in the first six minutes, with neither able to gain more than a three-point advantage. With 3:22 remaining and Boston up 85-83, the game's defining moment arrived. Mitchell drove hard to the basket, drew the defense, and kicked out to a wide-open Garland who buried the three-pointer that ultimately sealed the game. I've criticized Garland's consistency in big moments before, but credit where it's due - that took incredible guts. Cleveland never trailed again, closing the game on a 9-2 run to win 92-87.
Looking back, several key statistics stand out. Cleveland won the rebounding battle 48-42, including 12 offensive boards that led to 18 second-chance points. Boston's bench, which I thought would be their advantage, contributed only 15 points compared to Cleveland's 28. Mitchell finished with 27 points on 9-of-23 shooting - not his most efficient night, but he dished out 8 assists and made plays when they mattered most. Tatum's 31 points for Boston were impressive, but he needed 26 shots to get there, and his 5 turnovers proved costly down the stretch.
What this game taught me is that championship DNA matters. Cleveland's experience in pressure situations, particularly Mitchell's poise in the final minutes, made the difference against a talented but younger Boston squad. The Cavs advance to face Milwaukee in what promises to be another thrilling series, while Boston heads into an offseason with plenty of questions. Personally, I think Boston needs one more reliable scorer to take the next step, while Cleveland proved they have the depth and resilience to make a serious title run. Sunday's game reminded me why I love this sport - the drama, the intensity, and those magical moments when legends are born and seasons are defined.
