Celtics Hand Cavaliers First Loss in a Thrilling 'Test' Game:
Tuesday night at TD Garden, the Boston Celtics showcased their championship mettle, ending the Cleveland Cavaliers’ perfect 15-0 season start with a hard-fought 120-117 victory. In what felt like a playoff preview, both teams treated fans to a high-stakes clash marked by resilience, strategy, and elite performances.
Setting the Stage:
Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson framed the matchup as a litmus test for his team. "We want feedback," he said pregame. Despite tempering expectations, Atkinson knew the game would be an important benchmark for Cleveland's growth. His squad delivered a spirited effort, battling back from a 21-point deficit, but ultimately fell short against Boston’s balanced attack.
Boston’s Long-Range Precision:
The Celtics leaned on their prolific three-point shooting to seize control. Shooting 22-for-41 from beyond the arc, including a scorching 14-for-22 in the first half, Boston established a lead that proved critical. Jayson Tatum led the charge with a stellar 33 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists, while five other Celtics scored in double figures.
This red-hot perimeter performance gave Boston a decisive edge, outscoring Cleveland by 36 points from deep. "We knew they were undefeated, and it was an NBA Cup game," said Celtics guard Derrick White, highlighting the stakes.
Cavaliers Fight Back:
Cleveland, however, demonstrated why they’ve been dominant this season. The Cavaliers owned the paint, outscoring Boston 60-36 inside and grabbing 12 offensive rebounds. Evan Mobley’s versatility shone with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, while Donovan Mitchell led all scorers with 35 points and eight rebounds.
The Cavaliers’ third-quarter surge, fueled by relentless drives to the rim, cut the Celtics' lead to just two points in the fourth quarter. "I'm happy with how we fought back," Mobley said. "It was a good test, and we showed we could compete with anybody."
Playoff-Level Intensity:
The game felt like a postseason battle, with players absorbing contact and the crowd’s energy swinging with every momentum shift. Boston’s duo of Tatum and Jaylen Brown handled the pressure admirably, making key plays to secure the win.
Coach Joe Mazzulla praised his stars’ poise:
"They handled the physicality well... It was more important to get to the proper spacing and our drive-and-kick reads."
Despite the loss, the Cavaliers took pride in their resilience. "It's just a test," Mitchell said. "Whether you win, lose or draw, it's about learning. There’s a lot we can build on."
For Boston, the win reaffirmed their ability to rise to the occasion against elite opponents. For Cleveland, it was a reminder of the strides they’ve made—and the work still ahead.
As the season progresses, this game could serve as a preview of future clashes between two of the East’s top contenders, possibly in the playoffs. Until then, both teams will carry lessons from this memorable test of skill and determination.
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