BOSTON — The Cleveland Cavaliers faced their first defeat of the season on Tuesday night, falling to the Boston Celtics 120-117 at TD Garden. The game was a highly anticipated matchup, with the Cavaliers entering with a 15-0 record and the Celtics looking to rebound after a recent loss.
Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson expressed before the game that he was eager for feedback regarding his team’s performance against the reigning NBA champions. Despite the loss, the Cavaliers showcased resilience, particularly during a strong second-half comeback that erased a 21-point deficit, ultimately bringing the score within two points in the fourth quarter.
Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley reflected on the game, stating, “I’m happy how we fought back… I feel like we played a pretty good game.” He contributed significantly with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Donovan Mitchell led the team with 35 points and 8 rebounds.
The Celtics, however, were fueled by Jayson Tatum’s impressive performance, as he scored 33 points and delivered 12 rebounds. Boston demonstrated exceptional shooting from beyond the arc, hitting 22 of 41 attempts, including a remarkable 14 for 22 in the first half, making it their best shooting half from three-point range in 25 years.
While the Celtics excelled from the outside, Cleveland dominated inside with a significant 60-36 advantage in points in the paint, largely due to Mobley’s efforts in the third quarter. This contrasting style of play highlighted the different strengths of both teams, with the Celtics thriving from long-range shots and the Cavaliers capitalizing on interior scoring.
Celtics guard Derrick White noted the extra excitement surrounding the game due to Cleveland’s unbeaten streak, emphasizing its importance in the context of the NBA Cup standings. The playoff-like atmosphere was palpable, with players battling vigorously and the crowd remaining intensely engaged throughout.
Even in defeat, Cavaliers players expressed optimism about their development. Mitchell remarked on the importance of the game as a learning experience, acknowledging the areas where the team can improve moving forward. The positive takeaways from the second half are a beacon of hope for the Cavaliers as they look to build on their early success this season.
In summary, while the Cavaliers ended their perfect streak against the Celtics, the game served as a valuable test for both teams. Cleveland displayed their resilience and potential even in defeat, setting a hopeful tone for the remaining season.