Celtics win over Cavaliers/ Jayson Tatum game highlights/ Cavs win streak ends/ NBA game recap/ Boston vs. Cleveland/ BOSTON/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Boston Celtics handed the Cleveland Cavaliers their first loss of the season, 120-117, on Tuesday. Jayson Tatum’s 33-point, 12-rebound performance powered Boston past Cleveland, snapping the Cavs’ 15-game winning streak. Cleveland’s late rally fell short as Boston sealed the game with strong defense and clutch scoring.
Celtics Snap Cavs’ Streak: Quick Looks
- Final Score: Boston Celtics 120, Cleveland Cavaliers 117.
- Key Performer: Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 33 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists.
- Cavs’ Streak Ends: Cleveland’s franchise-best 15-game win streak concludes in Boston.
- Game Highlights: Boston hit 22 three-pointers, including six from Tatum, to control the game.
- Next Games: Celtics visit the Wizards Friday; Cavaliers host New Orleans Wednesday.
Celtics End Cavaliers’ 15-Game Win Streak in 120-117 Thriller
Deep Look
The Boston Celtics took down the NBA’s hottest team Tuesday night, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 120-117 at TD Garden. The victory snapped Cleveland’s franchise-record 15-game winning streak and cemented Boston’s status as a top contender in the Eastern Conference.
Dominant Start for Boston
The Celtics opened the game with lights-out shooting, hitting 14 of 22 three-pointers in the first half. Jayson Tatum was instrumental, scoring 33 points while adding 12 rebounds and 7 assists. Boston went on a 19-7 run late in the second quarter, extending their lead to 65-48 by halftime.
Al Horford and Jaylen Brown contributed to Boston’s strong team effort, with Horford’s late-game dunk sealing the win.
Cleveland’s Comeback Attempt
The Cavaliers refused to go quietly, rallying from a 21-point deficit in the third quarter to make it a two-point game. Donovan Mitchell, who scored a game-high 35 points, hit a clutch three-pointer with 24 seconds remaining to bring Cleveland within four.
However, Boston held firm. Tatum sank a key free throw, then delivered a critical defensive stop by blocking Mitchell’s layup attempt in the closing seconds.
Cavs’ Historic Streak Ends
Cleveland’s 15-game streak to start the season was the longest in franchise history and made them only the fourth team in NBA history to achieve such a feat. Evan Mobley supported Mitchell’s effort with 22 points and 11 rebounds, but the Cavaliers struggled from beyond the arc, falling short against Boston’s sharpshooting.
Key Stats
- Three-Point Shooting: Boston drained 22 threes, including six from Tatum.
- Halftime Lead: The Celtics’ 65-48 halftime edge proved decisive.
- Possession Battle: Boston’s second-quarter dominance allowed them to control the tempo despite Cleveland’s second-half surge.
Looking Ahead
- Cavaliers: Host the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday as they aim to regroup after their first loss of the season.
- Celtics: Face the Washington Wizards on Friday, following a White House visit to celebrate their 18th NBA championship.
