The Boston Celtics handed the Cleveland Cavaliers their first loss of the season in a thrilling 120-117 showdown on Tuesday night. This intense battle at TD Garden featured dominant 3-point shooting from the Celtics and gritty interior play from the Cavaliers. Both teams looked every bit like potential playoff contenders, making this regular-season clash feel like a spring preview.
Boston’s 3-Point Barrage Sets the Tone Early
From the opening whistle, the Celtics came out firing from deep, leaving no doubt about their offensive strategy. Boston drained an eye-popping 14-of-22 from beyond the arc in the first half, marking their best 3-point shooting half in 25 years when attempting at least 20 shots. Jayson Tatum led the charge with a stellar performance, tallying 33 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Despite Cleveland’s attempts to limit the damage, the Celtics’ hot shooting was simply overwhelming. By halftime, Boston had built a commanding lead, with six players contributing double-digit scoring efforts. It was a team performance that highlighted Boston’s depth and versatility.
Cleveland’s Interior Dominance Fuels Second-Half Comeback
The Cavaliers refused to back down. Known for their bruising interior game, Cleveland leaned into their strengths in the paint to mount a second-half comeback. Scoring 22 points in the paint in the third quarter alone, the Cavaliers clawed their way back into the game, cutting Boston’s lead to single digits.
Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen were key to Cleveland’s resurgence. Mobley posted 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Allen contributed 10 points and 11 rebounds. Their presence under the rim helped Cleveland dominate the paint with a 60-36 scoring advantage.
But the Cavaliers couldn’t find an answer for Boston’s defensive intensity. Darius Garland struggled against the Celtics’ pressure, managing only 8 points on a frustrating 3-for-21 shooting night.
Crunch-Time Heroics Seal the Deal for Boston
As the game tightened, the intensity at TD Garden soared. Fans roared with every play, creating a playoff-like atmosphere. The pivotal moment came with just over five minutes left in the fourth quarter. Payton Pritchard, stepping up in a key moment, buried a 3-pointer to stretch Boston’s lead to seven.
This shot gave the Celtics enough breathing room to withstand Cleveland’s final push. Though the Cavaliers fought until the last possession, Boston’s balanced attack and timely plays ensured the victory.
Statistical Highlights Show the Contrasting Styles
The stats from the game told a story of contrasting styles:
| Category | Celtics | Cavaliers |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Point Shooting | 22-for-41 | 5-for-19 |
| Points in the Paint | 36 | 60 |
| Total Rebounds | 42 | 41 |
Boston’s perimeter shooting and defensive pressure clashed with Cleveland’s physicality and paint scoring. Each team played to its identity, setting the stage for potential fireworks if they meet again in the postseason.
What This Game Means for Both Teams
For Boston, the win reaffirmed their status as a top contender. Without Kristaps Porzingis, who is still recovering from offseason surgery, the Celtics showed they could handle one of the league’s toughest frontcourts. Coach Joe Mazzulla also highlighted improvements in rebounding and individual defense as critical takeaways.
Cleveland, meanwhile, may have lost the game but gained valuable experience. Coach Kenny Atkinson viewed this matchup as a benchmark for his team, which had cruised to a 15-0 start against a relatively soft schedule. Despite the loss, the Cavaliers proved they could compete with the NBA’s elite, and the lessons learned could pay dividends later in the season.
The potential for a playoff rematch looms large, and if this game was any indication, fans are in for a treat.
