This game wasn’t just about the Cleveland Cavaliers’ perfect start to the season or their 15-game winning streak—it was about testing themselves against the reigning champions.
“This was a great test for us, and unfortunately we didn’t get the win,” said Donovan Mitchell, whose 35-point performance couldn’t save the Cavaliers from their first loss of the season. The Boston Celtics prevailed 120-117 on Tuesday night.
Mitchell, who scored 18 of his points in the fourth quarter—including 14 consecutive Cleveland points in the final four minutes—recognized the game as a measuring stick. “You want to see where you’re at but not put too much weight on it. … We’re not going to be the same team now that we will be in April,” he said.
The Celtics, who claimed their 18th championship last spring after dispatching the Cavaliers in five games during the Eastern Conference semifinals, entered the season as favorites to repeat. Cleveland, meanwhile, exceeded expectations by rocketing to the top of the standings with a franchise-record 15-0 start. First-year head coach Kenny Atkinson made history as the first NBA coach to win his first 15 games with a new team.
Mitchell reflects on streak’s end
“You want to be part of history in that regard. But it’s a thing of the past now. It was a good run,” Mitchell said. “It’s great to be part of history, but there are no championships in November.”
The Celtics dominated early, using a barrage of 3-pointers to build a 21-point lead. However, the Cavaliers rallied to cut the deficit to two points in the third quarter. Cleveland trailed by nine, 114-105, with 90 seconds left when Mitchell made a floater and a layup to trim the lead to five.
In the final moments, Mitchell hit a deep 3-pointer to bring Cleveland within four, but Boston’s Jayson Tatum sank one of two free throws to push the lead back to five. Tatum, who finished with 33 points, collided with Mitchell while trying for a steal, leaving the Cavaliers star on the court for several minutes.
“I was just praying to God I didn’t have a concussion,” Mitchell said afterward. Upon reviewing the play, he didn’t believe it warranted a flagrant foul. “It was a play on the ball. He’s got bony shoulders. It is what it is.”
Celtics stay composed despite Cavs’ comeback
Atkinson credited Boston’s sharpshooting—14 of 22 from beyond the arc in the first half—for the outcome. “That big second quarter was too much to overcome,” Atkinson said. Despite missing key players like Issac Okoro, Caris LeVert, and Dean Wade, Cleveland nearly erased the deficit in the third quarter.
“They’re so good,” Atkinson said of the Celtics. “We gave resistance in the second half, but there’s a lot we can improve on. We’ll have another shot at them soon,” referring to their upcoming Dec. 1 matchup in Cleveland.
Celtics remain top contenders
The defending champions leaned on Tatum’s brilliance and timely 3-point shooting to hold off the Cavaliers’ late push. Tatum contributed 33 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists, while Al Horford sealed the win with a dunk in the closing seconds. Boston has now won three straight games.
Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 35 points, while Evan Mobley added 22 points and 11 rebounds. Despite the loss, the Cavaliers’ franchise-best 15-0 start made them just the fourth team in NBA history to achieve such a feat.
Takeaways
- Cleveland’s resilience: The Cavaliers showed they can compete with Boston but need to address defensive lapses to pose a playoff threat.
- Key stretch: The Celtics closed the first half on a 19-7 run, turning a five-point lead into a 17-point advantage.
- Shooting efficiency: Boston’s first-half shooting, including 14 made 3-pointers, set the tone for their victory.
Next up
- Cavaliers: Host the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday.
- Celtics: Visit the Washington Wizards on Friday after visiting the White House to celebrate their 18th championship.
