In a highly anticipated clash of Eastern Conference titans, the Boston Celtics brought the Cleveland Cavaliers’ historic unbeaten start crashing down, prevailing 120-117 in a thrilling contest at TD Garden. The loss ends Cleveland’s streak at 15 games, tying them for the second-longest winning streak to begin an NBA season.
Despite the setback, the Cavaliers earned respect for their valiant effort against the defending champions on their home court. Head coach Kenny Atkinson had hoped to gain valuable feedback from this litmus test against an elite opponent.
“We want feedback,” Atkinson said before tipoff. “Hopefully we’ll see this team down the road in an important game. I just can’t wait to get some feedback from the game.”
Celtics’ Scorching Shooting Prevails
The Celtics, led by a dominant performance from superstar Jayson Tatum, showcased their championship pedigree by shooting a blistering 22-for-41 from beyond the arc. Tatum tallied 33 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists, while five other Celtics scored in double figures.
Boston’s 3-point barrage, particularly in the first half, proved to be the difference. The Celtics shot an astounding 14-for-22 from deep before halftime, marking their best 3-point shooting half in the last 25 years with a minimum of 20 attempts.
Cavaliers’ Paint Presence
Cleveland refused to go quietly, mounting a furious second-half comeback by pounding the ball inside. The Cavaliers outscored the Celtics 60-36 in the paint, led by the dynamic duo of Evan Mobley (22 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists) and Jarrett Allen (10 points, 11 rebounds).
The Cavaliers’ interior dominance allowed them to trim a 21-point deficit and keep the game competitive down the stretch. The atmosphere at TD Garden grew tense, reminiscent of the intensity these teams displayed during last season’s playoff series.
Celtics’ Timely Shots Seal Victory
Ultimately, clutch shooting from the Celtics, including a critical 3-pointer by reserve guard Payton Pritchard with 5:31 remaining, provided just enough cushion to hold off the hard-charging Cavaliers. Boston’s stifling individual defense also played a key role, holding Cleveland star Darius Garland to just 8 points on 3-for-21 shooting.
While the loss is undoubtedly disappointing for the Cavaliers, their impressive start to the season and competitive showing against the defending champions suggest they are a legitimate force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference. As these two powerhouses appear destined to cross paths again in the playoffs, this early-season clash provided a tantalizing preview of the fireworks to come.
