The Boston Celtics delivered a thrilling performance Tuesday night, ending the Cleveland Cavaliers’ remarkable 15-game winning streak to open the season.
Jayson Tatum starred for the defending NBA champions, dropping 33 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and dishing out seven assists to secure a hard-fought 120-117 victory.
Celtics Stand Tall Against the League’s Hottest Team
Boston jumped out to an early lead, dominating with hot shooting from beyond the arc. The Celtics knocked down 14 of their 22 three-point attempts in the first half, establishing a commanding 65-48 advantage at halftime. Cleveland, however, wouldn’t go down quietly.
Donovan Mitchell poured in 35 points to fuel the Cavaliers’ rally, bringing them back from a 21-point third-quarter deficit to within two points. Mitchell’s late-game heroics included a clutch three-pointer with just 24 seconds left, keeping Cleveland’s hopes alive. But the Celtics’ resilience, highlighted by timely scoring and defensive stops, sealed the deal.
The Tatum Factor
Tatum’s leadership was on full display as he carried Boston on both ends of the floor. He connected on six of the team’s 22 three-pointers and added a crucial free throw in the final moments. Defensively, his physicality left an impact, most notably in a collision with Mitchell late in the game.
Mitchell, shaken but determined, managed to sink two free throws after the incident, trimming Boston’s lead to two. Yet the Celtics responded with poise, inbounding the ball cleanly and setting up an emphatic Al Horford dunk to put the game out of reach.
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A Historic Run Ends
Cleveland entered the game as the fourth team in NBA history to open a season with 15 consecutive wins. The streak, a franchise best, underscored their status as one of the league’s rising powerhouses. But Tuesday’s loss offered a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in the competitive Eastern Conference.
Evan Mobley chipped in with 22 points and 11 rebounds, providing crucial support for Cleveland. However, the team’s inability to contain Boston’s three-point barrage proved costly.
Key Takeaways
For Cleveland, this game served as an early-season litmus test. While their 15-1 record remains impressive, the loss exposed vulnerabilities they’ll need to address if they hope to dethrone Boston in a potential playoff showdown.
On the other hand, the Celtics’ victory showcased why they remain the team to beat. Their combination of depth, perimeter shooting, and Tatum’s superstar presence sets them apart as legitimate title contenders.
Pivotal Moments and Stats
The game turned decisively in the second quarter when Boston closed the half on a 19-7 run, stretching a slim five-point lead into a 17-point halftime cushion. Cleveland’s rally in the third quarter made things interesting, but Boston’s early dominance proved too much to overcome.
The Celtics’ shooting was electric—hitting six threes in the final five minutes of the first half alone. That efficiency gave them the breathing room they needed to withstand Cleveland’s late push.
What’s Next
The Cavaliers won’t have much time to dwell on the loss as they host New Orleans on Wednesday, a chance to reset and start a new streak. Meanwhile, the Celtics hit the road to visit the Washington Wizards on Friday, fresh off a celebratory visit to the White House to commemorate their 18th NBA championship.
Closing Thoughts
While Cleveland’s streak may have ended, their effort against Boston solidified them as a force to be reckoned with in the East. As for the Celtics, this victory is another reminder of their championship pedigree and their readiness to defend their title.
