The Cleveland Cavaliers stunned the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night, pulling off a 22-point fourth-quarter comeback and snapping their opponent’s 11-game winning streak in a 105–104 drama-filled victory.
But arguably, the most impressive aspect of the comeback victory is that Cleveland pulled it off with key starters Donovan Mitchell and Max Strus sidelined due to injuries.
The Cavaliers were led by a surprising hero in forward Dean Wade. Wade outscored Boston in the fourth quarter alone, tallying 20 points in the final frame against 17 for the Celtics. He finished the night with 23 points and eight rebounds, knocking down five three-pointers in the fourth quarter.
After Wade’s incredible performance, he was met by Kansas City Chiefs star and Cleveland native Travis Kelce to celebrate the upset.
Travis Kelce hyped for tonight's hero Dean Wade! pic.twitter.com/hsaCyjQjfG
— NBA (@NBA) March 6, 2024
Wade wasn’t the only Cavaliers player to get some love after the victory, as Travis and his brother Jason Kelce also celebrated with guard Darius Garland.
Garland x Kelce Brothers celebrate the Cavs' improbable win 🙌 pic.twitter.com/WUgP7Fmr6A
— NBA (@NBA) March 6, 2024
The victory for the shorthanded Cavaliers also featured double-doubles from Jarrett Allen (21 points and 12 rebounds) and Garland (16 points and 11 assists).