The host Boston Celtics beat the reigning champion Cleveland Cavaliers, 103 - 99, in a dramatic Wednesday-night thriller. Boston (39 - 22) moved to just three games back from the first seed with the win. It was a much - needed boost for the Celtics, as the team was coming off a blowout loss to the Atlanta Hawks and had been just 1 - 2 coming out of the All-Star Break. Boston looked like it was back in the swing of things on Wednesday, however, as the team earned a hard - fought win over the Eastern Conference's top team. All-Star Isaiah Thomas bounced back from his worst outing of the season against Atlanta to score 31 points over Cleveland, including a three - pointer to put the Celtics ahead with 45 seconds remaining. In his third game back from injury, guard Avery Bradley looked brilliant, scoring 11 points and locking down Cleveland's Kyrie Irving on the game's final possession. Big man Al Horford, meanwhile, broke out of a bit of a slump with a near triple - double, recording nine points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. Overall, it was a much - needed and energizing win for the Celtics as they look to fight for the top spot in the East going down the stretch. Cleveland (41 - 18) saw new addition Deron Williams debut in Wednesday's game. The veteran made an immediate impact, playing 31 minutes and scoring 13 on 5 - of - 10 shooting. Superstar LeBron James, meanwhile, led the team with his seventh triple - double of the season. James had 28 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists on the night. All-Star Kyrie Irving also scored 28, but failed to convert when given the opportunity to take the team's last shot after being smothered by tight defense from Avery Bradley. One issue for Cleveland was rebounding, where the Celtics held a 47 - 40 edge despite struggles for most of the season. The Celtics will visit the Lakers on Friday, while Cleveland will see Atlanta.
["TeamStat(G,'Celtics') has 22 Losses ,has 103 Total points ,has 39 Wins ."
 "TeamStat(G,'Cavaliers') has 18 Losses ,has 99 Total points ,has 41 Wins ."]