On Wednesday, the Celtics defeated the Cavs 117-113 thanks to strong performances from Jayson Tatum and Al Horford.

The key points are listed below.

1. Tatum once again surpassed the 40-point mark with 41 points on 13 of 21 shooting, including 4-of-6 from outside the arc and 11 of 14 free throws. He can credit Darius Garland to some part for his flurry of 3-pointers in the last seconds of the game, which kept it close enough to warrant leaving him on the court. Also, it forced the Cavs to foul, which gave Tatum the opportunity to hit two free throws after going 1-for-2 in his previous trip to the line left him at 39.

Although Tatum struggled in back-to-back games starting after the All-Star break, the massive scoring performance indicated some improvement.

Just got some simple questions early, Tatum said. “A layup in transition, finishing near the hoop while going downhill, just sort of opens everything up. While I hadn’t shot the ball that well coming out of the break, I wasn’t disheartened or concerned. We arrived here with the intention of winning.

Tatum, who turns 25 on Friday, surpassed Giannis Antetokounmpo to move up one spot to eighth all-time most points scored before a player reaches 25, the highest position he will ever move.

We have discussions because “the organization, Brad, sometimes wants me to play a little less,” Tatum said. “I simply like being out there, playing, competing, and trying to win as much as I can,” is all there is to it.