The Boston Celtics possess an unusual ability to complicate things, even in situations when they should be rather simple.

They almost faltered against an overmatched Cleveland club on Monday night.

With LeBron James spectating from the court, Jayson Tatum scored 33 points in Game 4, and the Celtics defeated the terribly undermanned Cavaliers 109-102 to grab a commanding 3-1 lead in their Eastern Conference semifinal series.

The Celtics can eliminate Cleveland with a victory in Game 5 on Wednesday night at home thanks to Jaylen Brown’s 27 points.

“We needed some time to settle in, stop observing the ball, and play some basketball,” Brown remarked.

If needed, Friday’s game would return to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

Due to injury, Donovan Mitchell (calf) and Jarrett Allen (ribs) were forced to sit the game, pushing the Cavaliers to the verge of elimination. Moving forward, their situation is unclear.

Although Cleveland had struggled with injuries all season, it was a significant ask for the Cavs to attempt and make it through the semifinals without Mitchell, their All-Star guard who has led the club in scoring, or Allen, their top rebounder.

Nevertheless, the Cavs gave the top-seeded Celtics—who have a history of letting up when it suits them—all they could handle.

Coach J.B. Bickerstaff of Cleveland stated of his club, “They laid it all out there.” “They offered us everything they have. They engaged in fierce competition. They executed the game well. I’m proud of the boys for the way they challenged themselves, scrapped, and gave themselves a shot.

Tatum added 11 rebounds and five assists to his impressive effort, which was his second straight. With 16 points from Jrue Holiday, Boston increased their postseason road record to 4-0.

Tatum remarked, “There’s no better feeling than winning a playoff game on the road.” The crowd was fantastic and the atmosphere was tough. It’s time to return to Boston, perform admirably in front of our supporters, and give them something to cheer about.

The Cavs kept in touch with the Celtics and trailed by just 10 points entering the fourth quarter, thanks to 30 points from Darius Garland and 19 apiece from Evan Mobley and Caris LeVert.

After a jumper by Brown put Boston up 15, Garland and Dean Wade of Cleveland answered with a 10-2 run.

Max Strus missed a 3-pointer with 1:08 remaining that would have put the Cavaliers under tremendous pressure against the Celtics, but Brown’s three-pointer, following a collision with official Tyler Ford, gave Boston some breathing room.

According to Brown, Ford’s obstruction of the Celtics almost cost them dearly.

Brown remarked, “I felt he had an effect on the play.” “You must become more vigilant. However, the photo was taken, therefore there is no tale.

The Boston team tried 24 free throws compared to Cleveland’s seven, and the Cavaliers believed this to be a significant difference.

That’s absurd, Garland remarked. “Making just seven free throws is difficult. I am aware of the frequency with which my teammates and I get struck. It’s difficult.

James, who spent two different spells of 11 seasons playing for Cleveland, was back in his old home arena, a visit that would undoubtedly fuel rumors about his potential next destination.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ deal allows the NBA’s all-time leading scorer to opt out this summer, though James has stated he hasn’t made a definitive choice.

The 39-year-old was seated between agent Rich Paul and his wife, Savannah, across from Boston’s bench. During a first-quarter timeout, James was displayed on the scoreboard, to the raucous applause of the Cleveland crowd.

Mitchell scored 50 points in a Game 6 defeat to Orlando despite a left knee injury that kept him out of the game for months. In the first ten playoff games, Mitchell averaged 29.6 points.

In the final seconds of Cleveland’s Game 3 loss on Saturday, he suffered a calf injury. On Sunday, the ailment was listed as questionable. Mitchell received 24-hour care, but his recuperation was impeded.

After the game, the five-time All-Star remained silent and simply nodded as he left the locker room.

After suffering a severe injury in the first round, center Allen missed his seventh consecutive game.

After Holiday scored seven points in a row, the Celtics led by 13 points in the second quarter and seemed to be in complete control of the Cavaliers.

However, Cleveland came roaring back as Strus, who has had trouble shooting outside throughout the playoffs, sank back-to-back 3-pointers in a 13-3 run that allowed the Cavs to get within 62-57 at the half.

Kristaps Porzingis of Boston missed his fifth straight game, but the Celtics were happy that he was able to get some on-court practice in.