Sun Mar 02 23:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Cavaliers’ Defensive Acquisition Makes Playoff Push

**Boston, MA** – The Cleveland Cavaliers, boasting the NBA’s best record, strengthened their playoff aspirations with the acquisition of DeAndre Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks. Hunter, a versatile defender capable of guarding all five positions, was brought in specifically to counter the Boston Celtics’ potent offensive duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in a potential playoff matchup.

Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson lauded Hunter’s defensive prowess, highlighting his ability to defend effectively against a wide range of players. While Hunter averages 14 points and 3.5 rebounds per game with Cleveland, his impact extends beyond scoring, particularly his impressive 56.7% three-point shooting. Despite his offensive capabilities, Hunter has mostly come off the bench, allowing Atkinson to maintain the team’s winning rhythm.

Despite Hunter’s contribution (12 points, 3-for-3 from three-point range) in Friday’s 123-116 victory over the Celtics at TD Garden, Tatum and Brown still combined for 83 points. Atkinson acknowledged the challenge of containing the Celtics’ high-scoring forwards, emphasizing the need to focus on finishing plays.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla, while acknowledging the Cavaliers’ success, wasn’t surprised by their strong performance, citing their previous success and improved health compared to last season. The Celtics, meanwhile, faced injury issues in Friday’s game with Jrue Holiday sidelined due to a mallet finger injury and Kristaps Porzingis out with illness.

The game also served as a backdrop to the start of Women’s History Month, with Celtics’ Al Horford participating in a panel discussion focused on the empowerment of women in sports.

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