Cavs vs Celtics Game 6: Breaking Down the Key Plays That Decided the NBA Playoff Battle

I still remember sitting in my living room watching that Game 6 showdown between Cleveland and Boston last May, the tension so thick you could practically feel it through the screen. As someone who's analyzed basketball strategy for over a decade, I've rarely witnessed a playoff game where coaching decisions so dramatically influenced the outcome—which brings me to why Phoenix's recent appointment of Willy Wilson caught my attention. The Cavaliers' 113-98 victory over the Celtics that night wasn't just about players executing; it was a masterclass in tactical adjustments that Wilson would undoubtedly appreciate.

The game turned completely in the third quarter when Cleveland went on that stunning 18-2 run. What fascinated me wasn't just the scoring burst but how coach J.B. Bickerstaff outmaneuvered Boston's defensive schemes. He moved Donovan Mitchell off-ball more frequently, creating mismatches that Boston's interim coach Joe Mazzulla failed to counter. Mitchell finished with 38 points, but what impressed me more were his 7 assists—many coming during that decisive stretch when the Cavs shot a remarkable 68% from the field in the quarter. I've always believed that true offensive brilliance comes from making everyone better, not just scoring, and Mitchell demonstrated that perfectly.

Defensively, the Cavs made a adjustment I haven't seen enough teams try against Boston—they aggressively trapped Jayson Tatum every time he touched the ball above the three-point line, forcing others to beat them. Tatum still got his 25 points, but on 8-of-22 shooting, and what stood out to me was his frustration visibly growing as the game progressed. The Celtics committed 15 turnovers leading to 22 Cleveland points—those are the kind of numbers that lose playoff games, plain and simple. Having watched countless Celtics games this season, I've noticed they sometimes fall into predictable offensive patterns when pressured, and Cleveland exploited this beautifully.

The Darius Garland and Evan Mobley pick-and-roll combinations in the fourth quarter were particularly brilliant. Garland's 12 points in the final period came mostly off those actions, with Mobley setting devastating screens that Boston's bigs simply couldn't navigate. Mobley's stat line—15 points, 11 rebounds, 3 blocks—doesn't fully capture how he controlled the paint down the stretch. From my perspective, his defensive versatility is what separates him from other young big men in the league. When he switched onto Jaylen Brown late in the game and forced that critical miss with 4:12 remaining, that was the nail in Boston's coffin.

Which brings me back to Willy Wilson's appointment in Phoenix. Watching games like this Cavs-Celtics showdown reminds me how crucial coaching adaptations are in the playoffs. Wilson, who reportedly studied under Gregg Popovich for three seasons, represents the kind of strategic mind that could thrive in today's NBA. Phoenix's management clearly recognized what I've been saying for years—that successful teams need coaches who can make real-time adjustments rather than sticking rigidly to predetermined systems. The Suns gave Wilson a three-year contract worth approximately $18 million, showing their commitment to finding someone who can handle playoff-level chess matches.

Boston's inability to adjust still puzzles me when I rewatch the game. They kept attacking Jarrett Allen in isolation despite his 4 blocks, and their bench contributed only 18 points compared to Cleveland's 32. Derrick White's 18 points felt hollow because they came mostly after the outcome was decided. As much as I respect Mazzulla's work this season, games like this make me question whether Boston has the right coach to get them over the hump. Sometimes you need to scrap your game plan entirely when it's not working, and that flexibility seemed missing from Boston's approach.

The final minutes had that inevitable feeling that comes when one team completely breaks another's spirit. Cleveland's ball movement in the closing stretch—that beautiful extra pass from Caris LeVert to Isaac Okoro in the corner for the three that put them up 107-92 with 2:38 left—was the kind of basketball that wins championships. The Cavs finished with 28 assists on 41 made field goals, numbers that reflect the cohesive offensive system Bickerstaff has implemented.

Reflecting on this game months later, what stands out is how coaching decisions cascade through every aspect of playoff basketball. The Cavs identified Boston's weaknesses and attacked them relentlessly, while the Celtics seemed stuck in their ways. It's exactly why I find Phoenix's hiring of Wilson so intriguing—teams are recognizing that playoff success requires coaches who can read the game and adapt moment to moment. Cleveland's Game 6 victory wasn't just about one night; it was about preparation, adjustment, and execution at the highest level. For basketball purists like myself, it doesn't get much better than that.