The defending NBA champions held off the league’s finest staff on Tuesday evening, with Jayson Tatum scoring 33 factors and including 12 rebounds to steer the Boston Celtics to a 120-117 victory over Cleveland and provides the Cavaliers their first defeat after 15 consecutive victories at first. the season.
Cleveland lower the 21-point deficit to 2 within the third quarter and Donovan Mitchell hit a rainbow 3-pointer with 24 seconds left, making it a four-point recreation. Tatum sank considered one of two free throws, after which hit Mitchell on the different finish, leaving the Cavaliers guard on the ground in want of medical consideration.
Mitchell lastly bought to the road and sank each free throws, however Boston simply rebounded the ball and handed it down for a straightforward dunk to Al Horford who clinched it.
Tatum sank six of Boston’s 22 3-pointers and added seven assists for Boston’s third straight win.
Mitchell scored 35 factors and Evan Mobley had 22 factors and 11 rebounds for the Cavaliers, the fourth staff in NBA historical past to open the season with 15 straight wins. The 15-game successful streak was the longest in Cavaliers franchise historical past.
Takeaway
Cleveland was an early shock as the highest staff within the Eastern Conference, however is aware of it will not be simple to beat Boston in the event that they meet within the playoffs.
Key second
The Celtics scored 19 of their last 26 factors within the second quarter to show a five-point lead right into a 65-48 lead at halftime. Cleveland lower the 21-point deficit to 2 factors within the third.
Key statistic
The Celtics had been 14 of twenty-two from 3-point vary within the first half. They led by 5 factors with 5:05 left once they hit 4 straight 3s, and 6 general down the stretch, to open a 65-48 lead at halftime.
Next
Cavaliers: Host New Orleans on Wednesday.
Celtics: Visit the Washington Wizards on Friday, a day after visiting the White House within the lead-up to their 18th NBA championship.
Associated Press reporting.
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