In one of the most anticipated early-season NBA Cup matchups, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ perfect 15-0 run came to a screeching halt at the hands of the defending champions, the Boston Celtics, in a thrilling 120-117 win. The battle wasn’t just about team rankings — it was a statistical showcase of the league’s elite talents. From Donovan Mitchell’s explosive offense to Jayson Tatum’s MVP-caliber all-around performance, this game offered fans a high-octane preview of what might come in the playoffs.
Standout Player Performances
Boston Celtics Key Stats
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | FG% | 3P% | Steals | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jayson Tatum | 33 | 12 | 7 | 55.6% | 42.9% | 2 | +7 |
| Al Horford | 20 | 6 | 3 | 61.5% | 66.7% | 1 | +5 |
| Derrick White | 19 | 4 | 4 | 58.3% | 75.0% | 2 | +6 |
| Jaylen Brown | 17 | 5 | 3 | 50.0% | 40.0% | 1 | +3 |
| Payton Pritchard | 13 | 2 | 2 | 62.5% | 60.0% | 0 | +2 |
| Jrue Holiday | 11 | 7 | 5 | 47.1% | 50.0% | 1 | +4 |
Team Notes:
- Connected on an outstanding 53.7% of their three-point attempts.
- Scored 66 points from three-pointers, a +36 margin over Cleveland.
- Six players scored in double digits, showcasing depth and ball movement.
Cleveland Cavaliers Key Stats
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | FG% | 3P% | Turnovers | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donovan Mitchell | 35 | 8 | 4 | 57.1% | 33.3% | 3 | -2 |
| Evan Mobley | 22 | 11 | 6 | 60.0% | 50.0% | 2 | -1 |
| Max Strus | 14 | 4 | 2 | 46.2% | 40.0% | 1 | 0 |
| Caris LeVert | 12 | 3 | 5 | 44.4% | 33.3% | 2 | -3 |
| Jarrett Allen | 11 | 9 | 1 | 50.0% | 0.0% | 1 | -4 |
| Darius Garland | 8 | 2 | 7 | 14.3% | 0.0% | 4 | -5 |
Team Notes:
- Struggled from deep, going 10-for-28 (35.7%) on three-pointers.
- Despite the offensive talent, Cleveland couldn’t overcome the 3-point deficit.
- Darius Garland had an off-night, shooting just 3-for-21, which hurt their rhythm late.
Team Stats Comparison
| Category | Cavaliers | Celtics |
|---|---|---|
| FG% | 48.3% | 51.2% |
| 3P% | 35.7% | 53.7% |
| Rebounds | 45 | 43 |
| Assists | 25 | 29 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 11 |
| Bench Points | 28 | 33 |
The Celtics’ 3-point shooting was the defining statistic, creating a significant scoring gap despite comparable performances in rebounds, assists, and turnovers.
Game Impact & NBA Cup Implications
- Record Updates:
- Celtics improved to 12-3
- Cavaliers now 15-1, ending their historic start.
- NBA Cup Standings (East Group C):
- Atlanta: 2-0
- Boston: 1-1
- Cleveland: 1-1
The Cavs still control their fate, with games left against Atlanta and Washington. The Celtics remain in strong contention, with games ahead against Washington and Chicago.
Upcoming Matchups Between These Rivals
- Dec 1 – Cavaliers vs Celtics in Cleveland
- Feb 4 – Cavaliers vs Celtics in Cleveland
- Feb 28 – Celtics host Cavaliers in Boston
Expect tighter games as playoff implications ramp up later in the season.
Conclusion
Tuesday’s contest wasn’t just about the final score — it was about the statistical dominance and resilience of two Eastern Conference juggernauts. The Boston Celtics’ depth and perimeter shooting proved to be the game-changer, while the Cavaliers’ stars showed heart, but couldn’t overcome a cold night from Garland.
FAQs
1. Who was the top scorer in the Cavaliers vs Celtics match?
Jayson Tatum topped the scoring chart with a stellar 33-point performance.
2. How many points did Donovan Mitchell score?
Donovan Mitchell paced the Cavaliers’ offense with a game-high 35 points.
3. Why did the Cavaliers lose the game?
They were outscored by 36 points from 3-point range and struggled with efficiency from key players.
4. What are the implications for the NBA Cup?
Both teams are 1-1 in East Group C, with future games determining playoff seeding.
5. When is the next Cavaliers vs Celtics game?
The teams meet again on December 1 in Cleveland.
