Celtics Hand Cavaliers First Loss, 120-117

The Boston Celtics defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 120-117, ending Cleveland's unbeaten 15-0 start to the season. Jayson Tatum led Boston with 33 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists, contributing significantly to the team's strong performance, particularly from beyond the arc where they made 22 three-pointers. Despite a late rally from the Cavaliers, who cut a 21-point deficit to just two, the Celtics maintained their composure to secure the win. Donovan Mitchell scored a game-high 35 points for Cleveland, with Evan Mobley adding 22 points and 11 rebounds. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla praised Tatum and Jaylen Brown for handling the game's pressure effectively, while Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged the need for his team to match Boston's intensity in future encounters. This matchup is seen as a potential preview of a playoff showdown, highlighting the competitiveness in the Eastern Conference.