Jayson Tatum scored 32 points and the Boston Celtics defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 112-106 on Wednesday night in a matchup of short-handed teams. The Celtics were missing three starters — Kemba Walker, Jaylen Brown and Gordon Hayward — while the Cavaliers played without starters Andre Drumnond and rookie Darius Garland.
Cavaliers rookie swingman Kevin Porter Jr. left in the first half with a head injury and didn’t return.
Collin Sexton scored a career-high 41 points, making 17 of 29 shots from the field. His previous career high was 32 against Utah. The second-year guard has scored in double figures in 33 straight games and hasn’t missed a game in his career.
“The idea of what he’s able to do every night,” Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “It’s hard. How many guys can go out and get 20 every single night in this league? There aren’t many of them. And of the same guys, how many are available for all 82? What he’s doing isn’t common by any means.”
Kevin Love had 26 points and 14 rebounds for Cleveland, and Larry Nance Jr. had 19 points and 15 rebounds.