Celtics Hand Cavaliers First Loss Of Season, Winning 120-103

The Cleveland Cavaliers' NBA record-setting start to the season was snapped on Friday night in a 120-103 loss to the Boston Celtics. The Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum's 28 points and 11 rebounds, dominated the game from the start, leading by as many as 26 points in the third quarter.

Celtics' Dominating Performance

The Celtics' victory was a total team effort, with six players scoring in double figures. Jaylen Brown added 23 points, while Marcus Smart chipped in with 20 points and 10 assists. Evan Fournier provided a spark off the bench with 15 points, while Robert Williams III added 11 points and 11 rebounds.

The Celtics' defense was also impressive, holding the Cavaliers to just 38.6% shooting from the field, including just 25% from three-point range. The Celtics also forced 15 turnovers, which they converted into 21 points.

Cavaliers' Struggles

The Cavaliers, who entered the game with a 10-0 record, were uncharacteristically sloppy on Friday night. They committed 18 turnovers, which led to 27 Celtics points. They also shot just 25% from three-point range, well below their season average of 39.4%.

Darius Garland led the Cavaliers with 24 points and 7 assists, but he also had 7 turnovers. Lauri Markkanen added 20 points and 9 rebounds, but he was held to just 5-of-15 shooting from the field.

Implications for Both Teams

The Celtics' victory snapped the Cavaliers' perfect record, but it also moved them into a tie for first place in the Eastern Conference at 10-1. The Cavaliers remain in second place, but they now have a one-game lead over the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Celtics' victory also proved that they are a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference. They have now won six of their last seven games and are playing with a lot of confidence. The Cavaliers, on the other hand, will need to bounce back from this loss and prove that they can still be a contender in the Eastern Conference.

Conclusion

The Celtics' victory over the Cavaliers was a significant win for both teams. The Celtics proved that they are a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference, while the Cavaliers showed that they are still a work in progress. Both teams will be looking to build on this game when they return to action next week.

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