Celtics End Cavaliers’ Perfect Season with 120-117 Triumph
Tuesday, November 19th, 2024, 10:00 PM EST
In a thrilling NBA matchup at TD Garden, the defending champion Boston Celtics dealt the Cleveland Cavaliers their first loss of the 2024-2025 season with a 120-117 victory. The win ended the Cavaliers’ historic 15-game winning streak, the longest in franchise history, and solidified the Celtics’ position as a top contender in the Eastern Conference. Jayson Tatum led Boston with a commanding 33 points and 12 rebounds, while Donovan Mitchell’s 35 points for Cleveland weren’t enough to keep their undefeated run alive.
Game Highlights: Tatum Shines, Celtics Hold Off Cavaliers
Jayson Tatum was the star of the night, showing why he is considered one of the league’s premier players. Tatum not only scored 33 points but also pulled down 12 rebounds and dished out seven assists, making his presence felt on both ends of the floor. He knocked down six of Boston’s 22 three-pointers, showcasing the team’s lethal shooting from beyond the arc. The Celtics, who have now won three straight games, used their sharp shooting to build an early lead, which they managed to hold despite a valiant comeback attempt from the Cavaliers.
The Celtics started strong, leading by five points midway through the second quarter before going on a 19-7 run to close the half. At the break, Boston held a commanding 65-48 lead, thanks to an impressive 14-for-22 performance from three-point range in the first half alone.
Cleveland, however, did not go down without a fight. Trailing by as much as 21 points, the Cavaliers mounted an impressive comeback in the third quarter. Evan Mobley contributed 22 points and 11 rebounds, while Mitchell’s scorching hot shooting kept the Cavaliers within striking distance. Mitchell’s deep three-pointer with 24 seconds remaining cut the Celtics’ lead to four points, creating an intense final sequence. However, Tatum and veteran center Al Horford sealed the game for Boston with crucial free throws and a final fast-break dunk, ensuring Cleveland’s defeat.
Key Stats from the Game
– Jayson Tatum (BOS): 33 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists, 6 three-pointers made
– Donovan Mitchell (CLE): 35 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds
– Evan Mobley (CLE): 22 points, 11 rebounds
– Al Horford (BOS): 14 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists
– Boston Celtics: 22 three-pointers made, shooting 48% from beyond the arc
– Cleveland Cavaliers: 12 three-pointers made, shooting 38% from three
Celtics’ Three-Point Barrage
The Celtics’ ability to connect from long range was the key difference in this matchup. As a team, Boston shot 22-for-45 from beyond the arc, a remarkable 48%, with Tatum and Derrick White leading the way. White chipped in 20 points, including five three-pointers of his own, providing Boston with a reliable scoring option from the perimeter. The Celtics’ three-point shooting was particularly lethal in the second quarter, where they connected on six triples to extend their lead to 17 points at halftime.
Boston’s ability to hit shots from downtown opened up the floor for their inside attack, giving players like Tatum and Horford space to operate in the paint. Their 22 threes set a season-high for the team, underscoring their dominance from the perimeter.
Cavaliers’ Resilience: Mitchell and Mobley’s Impact
Despite the loss, Cleveland showed resilience throughout the game. Donovan Mitchell once again led the way for the Cavaliers, scoring 35 points and keeping Cleveland in the game with his deep shooting and playmaking ability. Mitchell’s leadership has been instrumental in the Cavaliers’ early-season success, and he continued to demonstrate his scoring prowess, especially late in the game when Cleveland was fighting to overcome the deficit.
Evan Mobley also delivered a standout performance, recording 22 points and 11 rebounds, including several key defensive plays. The young forward’s ability to impact both ends of the court has been vital to Cleveland’s strong start this season. His performance in this game showcased why he is considered one of the rising stars in the league, despite the Cavaliers falling short.
Post-Game Reactions
Jayson Tatum on Celtics’ Performance:
“We knew Cleveland was going to come in here with a lot of energy. They’ve been the best team in the league to start the season, so it was important for us to come out strong and play our game. I think we did a great job hitting shots early and playing tough defense when it mattered. It’s always great to get a win against a team like that.”
Donovan Mitchell on Cavaliers’ First Loss:
“It’s tough, man. We fought back, and I’m proud of the way we responded after going down by 20. Obviously, we wanted to keep the streak alive, but Boston’s a great team. We’ll learn from this and come back stronger.”
Celtics Coach Joe Mazzulla:
“Cleveland has been on an incredible run, and we knew it wasn’t going to be easy. But I’m proud of the way our guys executed the game plan. We moved the ball well, hit open shots, and played solid defense down the stretch. This is the kind of performance we need to keep building on.”
Cavaliers Coach J.B. Bickerstaff:
“I give credit to our guys for not giving up. We got down early, but they showed a lot of heart coming back in the second half. Boston hit some tough shots, and that’s what great teams do. We’ll regroup and get ready for the next one.”
Looking Ahead
The Cleveland Cavaliers, now 15-1, will look to bounce back quickly as they host the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night. The Cavaliers remain at the top of the Eastern Conference standings, but this loss serves as a reminder that there’s still work to be done to compete with elite teams like the Celtics.
As for Boston, the defending champions are starting to hit their stride after a slow start to the season. The Celtics are 11-4 and will next face the Washington Wizards on Friday after visiting the White House to celebrate their 18th NBA championship. With Tatum playing at an MVP level and the team firing on all cylinders, Boston looks poised to make another deep playoff run.
Conclusion: A Statement Win for the Celtics
The Celtics’ victory over the Cavaliers was a statement win for the defending champions, proving they remain the team to beat in the Eastern Conference. Tatum’s all-around brilliance, combined with Boston’s three-point shooting and defensive intensity, allowed the Celtics to fend off a red-hot Cleveland team and hand them their first loss of the season.
For the Cavaliers, this loss may serve as a valuable learning experience as they continue their quest to emerge as true contenders in the East. With Mitchell and Mobley leading the way, Cleveland is still one of the most formidable teams in the league and will undoubtedly be eager to prove that their early-season success was no fluke.
As both teams continue their respective journeys through the season, this game could be a preview of a potential Eastern Conference playoff matchup, one that would surely be a battle between two of the NBA’s elite teams.
JT & Spida put on a SHOW in #EmiratesNBACup action 🤝
— NBA (@NBA) November 20, 2024
Tatum: 33 PTS, 6 3PM, 12 REB, 7 AST
Mitchell: 35 PTS, 3PM, 8 REB
Celtics move to 12-3 (and 1-1 in East Group C 🏆) as the Cavs’ historic 15-0 start to the season comes to a close. pic.twitter.com/93dFh4ViOj
Sajjad ali is a versatile sports writer, is a maestro of the written word in the world of sports. With an in-depth knowledge of NBA, NFL, golf, and various sports, he crafts compelling narratives that captivate readers. His insightful analysis set him apart in the sports journalism arena. A multi-talented storyteller, his work resonates with sports enthusiasts across the globe, making him a go-to source for sporting insights. His passion for diverse sports shines through every line he pens.