BOSTON — Coach Kenny Atkinson’s Cleveland Cavaliers faced a significant challenge on Tuesday night as they took on the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics at TD Garden, testing their remarkable 15-0 season start. Atkinson expressed his desire to gain valuable insights from this matchup, acknowledging the balance between appreciating the moment and preparing for future encounters that could be critical.
The game unfolded with Boston ultimately edging out Cleveland by a score of 120-117, marking the end of the Cavaliers’ unbeaten streak. “I’m happy how we fought back,” stated Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley, who delivered an impressive performance with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists. Mobley recognized that while their start wasn’t ideal, their ability to combat the Celtics’ lead was encouraging. “I think it was a good test, and from what I saw out there, we could beat anybody,” he added.
Despite the Cavaliers’ strong second-half comeback, it wasn’t enough to secure the win. Boston’s Jayson Tatum shined with 33 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists, supported by a solid performance from six Celtics players who scored in double figures. The Celtics also showcased remarkable shooting, hitting 22 of 41 from beyond the arc, including a stellar 14-for-22 in the first half—their best half of 3-point shooting in the last 25 seasons.
The game had a tense playoff-like atmosphere as Cleveland fought to close a 21-point deficit to just two points in the fourth quarter. Derrick White of the Celtics noted the extra energy brought on by facing an undefeated team and the significance of the game, especially after their recent loss in the NBA Cup opener.
Cleveland dominated in the paint, scoring 60 points to Boston’s 36 and grabbing 12 offensive rebounds. The Cavaliers’ surge in the third quarter highlighted their inside game, largely thanks to Mobley, who consistently capitalized on favorable matchups.
Donovan Mitchell, who led Cleveland with 35 points, praised Mobley’s impact on the game. “He set the tone for us,” Mitchell said, emphasizing Mobley’s growth and ability to create scoring opportunities. Coach Joe Mazzulla of the Celtics lauded the handling of physical play by Tatum and Jaylen Brown, noting their capacity to manage pressure while maintaining good spacing and ball movement.
While the Cavaliers did not secure victory, the experience served as a valuable learning opportunity for the young team. Mitchell concluded with optimism, stating, “It’s just a test. This is a big test… There’s a lot we can take away from the good in the second half and a lot we can learn from the first half to get better at.”
With this competitive spirit and determination to grow, the Cavaliers remain hopeful as they continue their season, armed with lessons learned against one of the league’s top teams.
In summary, both teams demonstrated their strengths, with Cleveland showcasing resilience and a strong comeback effort, while Boston reaffirmed their status as a formidable opponent. This encounter sets the stage for potential future clashes that could hold significant implications for both teams in the season ahead.