Celtics stunned as Donovan Mitchell powers Cavs to Game 2 rout

BOSTON — Dreams of a leisurely waltz to the NBA Finals?

More like Game 2 deja vu.

The Celtics had their streak of four consecutive blowout wins in the playoffs snapped Thursday with a 118-94 loss to the Cavaliers at TD Garden in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

The humbling defeat evened the series, which has begun to follow a familiar script for the top-seeded Celtics, who routed the Heat in their first-round opener around a decisive Game 2 loss.

The Cavs weren’t historically productive from 3-point range like Miami was in its win, but they did make 46.4% of theirs to Boston’s 22.9%. Spearheading that effort was All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, who scored 23 of his 29 points in the second half to go along with eight assists and seven rebounds.

Cleveland also got a big night from Evan Mobley, who had 21 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two blocks despite spending much of the second half in foul trouble. Six Cavaliers players scored in double figures, including Caris LeVert’s 21 points off the bench.

Jayson Tatum paced the Celtics with 25 points, seven boards and six assists.

Game 1 standouts Jaylen Brown (19 points) and Derrick White (10) struggled mightily from deep, going a combined 1 for 14 on 3s.

The Cavs also out-rebounded the Celtics 44-31 despite missing injured center Jarrett Allen (ribs). Boston also was down a key body in the frontcourt, as Kristaps Porzingis missed his third straight game with a calf strain.

The Celtics opened the game with a 14-5 run that prompted an early timeout by Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff. Four Boston players scored points during that opening flurry, with Al Horford and White both sinking 3s.

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