The Boston Celtics ended the Cleveland Cavaliers’ winning run with a thrilling 120-117 victory in the NBA Cup at TD Garden. This defeat marked the Cavaliers’ first loss of the season after an impressive 15-match streak.
Celtics Hand Cavaliers Their First Loss of the Season
The Boston Celtics ended the Cleveland Cavaliers’ incredible 15-match winning streak with a thrilling 120-117 victory in the NBA Cup at TD Garden. This defeat marked the Cavaliers’ first loss of the season after a historic 15-0 start.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with an outstanding performance, contributing 33 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists. The win also showcased a team effort, with six Celtics players reaching double figures in scoring.
Cavaliers’ Spirited Comeback Falls Short
Trailing by 17 points at halftime, the Cavaliers mounted a determined comeback in the second half. Evan Mobley was pivotal, finishing with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists.
Despite narrowing the lead to just two points midway through the final quarter, the Cavaliers couldn’t overcome the Celtics’ resilience. Derrick White, a key player for Boston, emphasized the importance of the game, saying, “Everybody knew that they were undefeated and coming to our building… It was a really big game.”
NBA Cup Highlights: Lakers, Mavericks Shine
In other NBA Cup action, the Los Angeles Lakers extended their winning streak to six games with a 124-118 victory over the Utah Jazz. Rookie Dalton Knecht stole the spotlight, scoring a career-high 37 points and tying a rookie record with nine three-pointers.
The Denver Nuggets continued their strong form with a 122-110 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, while the Dallas Mavericks dominated the New Orleans Pelicans in a 132-91 blowout.
The NBA Cup’s Growing Importance
Launched in 2023, the NBA Cup adds a unique twist to the season, contributing to regular-season standings but not affecting the Championship playoffs. The Boston Celtics’ victory highlights how teams are embracing the tournament’s competitive spirit.
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