The Cleveland Cavaliers faced a formidable challenge on Tuesday night as they tested their perfect 15-0 record against the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Coach Kenny Atkinson expressed his desire for feedback from this matchup, emphasizing the balance between wanting to win and understanding the significance of the game’s context for their development.
The Celtics managed to end Cleveland’s unbeaten streak, clinching a tightly contested 120-117 victory. Despite a strong performance by Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley, who recorded 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists, it was not enough to secure the win. Mobley acknowledged the team’s resilience, stating, “I’m happy how we fought back,” highlighting that their slow start was a hindrance but overall expressing pride in their performance.
The night saw Cleveland drop to 15-1, thanks in large part to Jayson Tatum’s impressive 33 points, which showcased the Celtics’ shooting prowess from beyond the arc. Boston recorded an outstanding 22-for-41 shooting from three-point range, with 14 of those coming in a blistering first half.
Although Cleveland struggled initially, they mounted a spirited comeback in the second half, narrowing a 21-point deficit to just two points in the fourth quarter. Celtics guard Derrick White noted that the awareness of Cleveland’s undefeated record added excitement to the game, especially following Boston’s earlier loss in the NBA Cup.
The game laid bare the contrasting styles of both teams, with the Celtics excelling from long range while the Cavaliers dominated the paint, outscoring Boston 60-36 in points in the paint. Mobley was a key figure in the second half, helping spur his team with crucial plays inside.
Despite their loss, Cavaliers players reflected on the positives from the game. Donovan Mitchell pointed to Mobley’s growth, emphasizing the importance of him continuing to be aggressive and setting a competitive tone for the team. The physicality of the matchup contributed to the playoff-like atmosphere, where both sides battled intensely.
Cavaliers’ headliner Mitchell highlighted that the game served as a critical learning experience. While securing a win is always preferred, the valuable lessons gleaned from the game will be instrumental for improving as the season progresses.
In summary, while the Cavaliers’ perfect season was halted, the experience gained from this closely contested game against a top opponent could provide significant motivation going forward. With their young core gaining exposure to high-stakes matchups, there remains a lot of optimism about their potential growth as the season unfolds.