BOSTON — The Cleveland Cavaliers faced their first loss of the season on Tuesday night, falling 120-117 to the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Before the matchup, Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson expressed his desire for valuable feedback from the game, hoping it would serve as a preparation for potential future encounters in critical situations.
Despite a strong performance from Cleveland in the second half, which saw the team rally from a 21-point deficit, the Celtics maintained their composure and secured the win, thus ending the Cavaliers’ perfect 15-0 start. Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley highlighted the team’s fighting spirit, noting that while they were not at their best initially, the comeback effort was significant. He remains optimistic, believing the Cavaliers showed they could compete with any team.
The Celtics showcased their strength, led by Jayson Tatum, who scored 33 points and contributed 12 rebounds along with 7 assists. Boston’s impressive shooting from beyond the arc played a pivotal role in their victory, hitting 22 of 41 attempts, including a staggering 14-for-22 in the first half—the best shooting performance for the Celtics in that regard over the past 25 seasons.
Cleveland struggled initially but found its rhythm as the game progressed. They dominated points in the paint, outscoring Boston 60-36 in that area, with Mobley and Donovan Mitchell leading the charge. The match had an intense playoff-like atmosphere, with tough defensive plays from both teams, although the physicality resulted in fewer fouls called.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla praised his players, especially Tatum and Jaylen Brown, for managing the game’s physicality effectively. He emphasized the importance of spacing and driving to create opportunities, while also appreciating the experience gained from such a competitive matchup.
For the Cavaliers, despite the loss, there were lessons to take forward. Mitchell remarked on the importance of this test for a young team looking to grow from the experience and improve. They may not have emerged victorious, but the game revealed their potential and highlighted areas for growth as they move ahead in the season.
In summary, while the Cavaliers faced their first defeat, the game served as a crucial learning opportunity. The resilience they displayed and the lessons gleaned from the loss could set them up for future success in their pursuit of excellence in the NBA.
This experience could ultimately be the catalyst for further development, as the team focuses on building from both their shortcomings and achievements.