The Boston Celtics suffered a stunning 123-116 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, after blowing a massive early lead. The game started off like a statement win for Boston. The Celtics came out firing on all cylinders, hitting nine of their first 12 shots, while the Cavaliers missed 11 of their first 12 attempts. During that run, the Celtics raced out to a 25-3 advantage in the first quarter, electrifying the TD Garden crowd and seemingly asserting dominance over their Eastern Conference rivals.
But what followed was one of the most humiliating collapses of the season. The Cavaliers, led by a scorching performance from Donovan Mitchell, erased the deficit and stormed back to hand Boston a painful defeat.
The loss was made even more embarrassing by the fact that Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were seen taunting the Cavs early in the game, yelling
“Get the f* outta here,”
only for Cleveland to completely flip the script by the final buzzer.
Jayson Tatum when Celtics were up 25-3: “Get the f–k outta here man”
Cavaliers ended up winning 123-116 💀pic.twitter.com/nfH1szZcJE
— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) March 1, 2025
It was a moment that, in hindsight, would come back to haunt them. By halftime, the once 22-point lead had shrunk to just seven (62-55), and Boston’s body language was noticeably different.
In the second half, Donovan Mitchell took over, scoring 26 of his 41 points in the final two quarters. Darius Garland (20 points, 7 assists) and Evan Mobley (17 points, 12 rebounds) provided crucial support, while the Cavaliers’ defense clamped down on Boston’s offense.
By the time the final buzzer sounded, Cleveland had outscored the Celtics 68-54 after halftime, leaving Boston stunned in front of their home crowd.
NBA Twitter wasted no time in roasting the Celtics, with fans and analysts piling on to mock the team for their overconfidence and stunning collapse.
Here are some of the best reactions from social media:
CAVS COMPLETE COMEBACK VS CELTICS. 🤯🔥 pic.twitter.com/VwBA0adgms
— House of Highlights (@HoHighlights) March 1, 2025
The Cavs outscored the Celtics 120-91 after this arrogant shit from Jayson Tatum #LetEmKnow
pic.twitter.com/51sAMmxPqk— Nick Wilson (@NickWilsonSays) March 1, 2025
The Celtics had a 22 Point Lead 4 Minutes into the game and ended up losing 🤯
“GET TF OUTTA HERE” 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/s5LWrkaxoE
— Hater Central (@TheHateCentral) March 1, 2025
BELT TO A$$ WHAT DID I SAY @celtics pic.twitter.com/JncFiAPCwP
— ¹⁰ (@HoodiGarland) March 1, 2025
Jayson Tatum: “F**k outta here”
Celtics ended up blowing that 22 point lead and lost by 7 😭 (via @NBA)
pic.twitter.com/DOpmC5HjNb— Overtime (@overtime) March 1, 2025
Celtics once they get a 15+ point lead
— . (@J0nesToChina) March 1, 2025
