BOSTON - The Boston Celtics handed the Cleveland Cavaliers their first loss of the season Tuesday night, triumphing 120-117 at the TD Garden. This thrilling matchup marked the end of the Cavaliers' impressive 15-game winning streak and showcased two of the hottest teams early this NBA season.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 33 points, complemented by 12 rebounds and 7 assists, reflecting his significant impact on the game. Meanwhile, Donovan Mitchell was the star for Cleveland, pouring in 35 points, but it wasn't enough against the determined defending champions.
The game unfolded dramatically, with the Celtics building a significant lead early on. They established their dominance by turning a tight contest at the end of the first quarter (34-24) to a more comfortable 65-48 advantage at halftime. Their sharpshooters were on fire, especially during the first half, where they made 14 out of 22 attempts from beyond the arc, marking their best shooting performance from three-point range over the last 25 seasons.
Cleveland started showing signs of life after halftime, chipping away at the Celtics' lead. Their relentless effort cut what had ballooned to a 21-point deficit to just two points multiple times. Cavs forward Evan Mobley contributed significantly, scoring 22 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. His presence inside helped Cleveland secure 60 total points within the paint.
Mobley said, “I think it was a good test, and from what I saw out there, we could beat anybody.” His sentiment echoed the overall feeling of confidence among the Cavaliers, proving their ability to contend against the top teams.
Despite the loss, the Cavaliers showed resilience. According to coach Kenny Atkinson, much of Cleveland’s success was built on their fierce determination. “I’m happy we fought back,” Mobley commented. “We fight all the way to the end. A few times, we could’ve overturned the possession game.”
Overall, the game served as both a test and learning opportunity for the Cavaliers. Much of their early-season success had the faint whispers of uncertainty attached, but this matchup against the Celtics provided pivotal feedback. The Cavaliers are well aware they must fine-tune their strategies when faced with teams of Boston's caliber.
Atkinson remarked on their efforts and the adjustments made during halftime. “We had to go to the rim more often,” he said, explaining how the team needed to adapt to Boston’s defensive tactics. Point guard Darius Garland struggled significantly, shooting only 3 of 21 from the field, which Atkinson attributed to the physical pressure exerted by Boston's defenders. “He just hit a wall,” said Atkinson, reflecting on Garland's previous outstanding performances.
This match was not only about skill; it was filled with grit and determination. The Celtics, knowing they were facing the league’s hottest team, responded accordingly and played with passion. Derrick White, one of the Celtics’ guards, stated, “Everybody knew they were undefeated and coming to our building. It was big for us to respond and play how we did.”
Cleveland's ability to stay close and continue fighting back, even when injuries to key players like Caris LeVert and Max Strus left them shorthanded, showed the depth and character of their roster. Starting the inexperienced Sam Merrill at small forward was likely seen as a weakness, yet the team rose to the occasion and nearly succeeded.
The Cavaliers put forth a solid fight, especially after the halftime adjustments transformed their approach, emphasizing more attacking moves to the basket rather than relying solely on the three-pointer. They outscored the Celtics 40-26 during the third quarter, primarily through shorter, more effective plays rather than attempting to settle for long-range shots.
Despite falling short, the game highlighted options for the Cavaliers on how they might approach future contests, particularly with adjustments to capitalizing on their inside game.
The Celtics landed another win but also learned lessons of their own. The match was competitive and highlighted areas the Celtics need to fortify moving forward as they look to build on their recent championship success.
Looking down the road, both teams could see this game as merely the start of what should be several thrilling encounters throughout the season, particularly if they find themselves face-to-face again during the playoffs. The Celtics will face the Washington Wizards next, hoping to keep their winning momentum, whereas the Cavaliers prepare to host the New Orleans Pelicans, aiming to bounce back quickly from their narrow defeat.
