BOSTON — Last season's NBA champions had Jayson Tatum add 33 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Boston Celtics to a 120-117 victory over Cleveland on Tuesday night, handing the Cavaliers their first loss in the league after a 15-game winning streak. They defeated the hottest team. To kick off the season.
Cleveland cut a 21-point lead to two in the third quarter, then made a rainbow 3-pointer by Donovan Mitchell to cut it to four with 24 seconds left.
Tatum sank one of two free throws and beat Mitchell on the other end, causing the Cavaliers guard to fall to the floor and require medical treatment.
Mitchell eventually got to the line and sank a pair of free throws, but Boston had no problem inbounding the ball and passing it downcourt, where Al Horford made an easy dunk and made it.
Tatum sank six of Boston's 22 3-pointers and added seven assists on Boston's third straight win.
Mitchell scored 35 points and Evan Mobley had 22 points and 11 rebounds for the Cavaliers, who became the fourth team in NBA history to win their first 15 games.
The 15-game winning streak was the longest in Cavaliers franchise history.
takeout
Cleveland has shown an early surprise as the top team in the Eastern Conference, but they know it won't be easy to get past Boston if they meet in the playoffs.
important moment
The Celtics scored 19 of the final 26 points in the second quarter, turning a five-point lead into a 65-48 advantage at halftime. Cleveland cut a 21-point deficit to two points in the third set.
Main status
The Celtics made 14 of 22 3-pointers in the first half.
With 5:05 remaining, the team increased their lead by five points, making four straight 3s and the final six to extend their lead to 65-48 at halftime.
to the next
cavaliers: They host New Orleans on Wednesday.
Celtics: Visit the Washington Wizards on Friday, one day after visiting the White House to benefit the 18th NBA Championship.
