The Boston Celtics ended the Cleveland Cavaliers’ perfect 15-0 start to the season with a thrilling 120-117 victory at TD Garden on Tuesday night. In a game that felt like a playoff preview, Boston’s incredible 3-point shooting clashed with Cleveland’s physical interior game, providing a spectacular showcase between two of the Eastern Conference’s top teams.
Boston’s 3-Point Barrage Sets the Tone Early
From the opening tip, the Celtics made their game plan clear by launching a relentless assault from beyond the arc. Their strategy paid off immediately, as they overwhelmed the Cavaliers’ defense with sharp shooting.
Boston connected on an incredible 14 of their 22 three-point attempts in the first half alone. This marked the franchise’s best 3-point shooting performance in a half in the last 25 years when attempting 20 or more shots. The team’s hot start built a significant lead by halftime.
Jayson Tatum was the star of the show, leading the Celtics with a dominant all-around performance. He finished the game with 33 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists, setting the pace for Boston’s high-powered offense. The team effort was clear, with six different Celtics scoring in double figures.
Cleveland’s Interior Dominance Fuels Second-Half Comeback
Facing a large deficit, the Cavaliers did not back down. Instead, they turned to their primary strength: dominating the paint. Cleveland methodically chipped away at Boston’s lead in the third quarter by pounding the ball inside.
The Cavaliers scored 22 of their points in the paint during the third quarter, showcasing their physical advantage. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen were instrumental in this comeback effort.
- Evan Mobley delivered a powerful performance with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists.
- Jarrett Allen controlled the glass, contributing 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Despite their success inside, Cleveland’s comeback was hampered by poor perimeter shooting. Darius Garland had a difficult night, shooting just 3-for-21 from the field for 8 points, as Boston’s defense applied constant pressure on the star guard.
Crunch-Time Heroics Seal the Deal for Boston
The game tightened significantly in the fourth quarter, with the electric crowd at TD Garden creating a playoff-like atmosphere. Every possession felt critical as both teams traded blows down the stretch.
The decisive moment came with just over five minutes remaining. Payton Pritchard, providing a crucial spark off the bench, hit a massive 3-pointer that extended Boston’s lead to seven. This shot gave the Celtics the cushion they needed to hold off Cleveland’s final surge.
Statistical Highlights Show the Contrasting Styles
The final box score painted a clear picture of two teams with very different approaches to winning.
| Category | Celtics | Cavaliers |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Point Shooting | 22-for-41 | 5-for-19 |
| Points in the Paint | 36 | 60 |
| Total Rebounds | 42 | 41 |
What This Game Means for Both Teams
For the Boston Celtics, this win was a major statement. They proved they could defeat an elite opponent even without key big man Kristaps Porzingis, who is still recovering from offseason surgery. Coach Joe Mazzulla praised his team’s improved defense and rebounding against a tough frontcourt.
For the Cleveland Cavaliers, the loss serves as a valuable learning experience. After an undefeated start against a weaker schedule, this game was a true test against a top contender. Coach Kenny Atkinson noted that the matchup provided a benchmark for his team and that the lessons learned would be crucial for their growth moving forward.
