Jayson Tatum went into overdrive with 33 points as the Boston Celtics won a thrilling NBA Cup match 120-117 over previously unbeaten Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday. The win snapped Cleveland’s 15-game unbeaten streak, handing Boston a statement victory against the Eastern Conference leaders.
The Celtics showcased their offensive firepower, sinking 22 three-pointers in a game that saw six players score in double figures. Tatum’s stellar outing included six three-pointers, 12 rebounds, and seven assists, embodying the reigning champions’ grit and composure under pressure.
Boston sprinted out of the gate, racing to an 18-8 lead in the first few minutes thanks to a barrage of three-pointers. Cleveland battled back to cut its deficit to 26-20 by the end of the first quarter, but Boston remained in control during the second. Tatum capped the first half with a spectacular three, sending Boston into the break with a commanding 65-48 advantage.
The Celtics stretched their lead as high as 21 in the early moments of the third, but Cleveland simply wouldn’t fold. Led by Donovan Mitchell’s game-high 35 points, the Cavaliers unleashed a tidal-wave comeback, closing the gap to just two points at 88-86.
But championship know-how won out for Boston. Tatum hit another clutch three to give it a five-point lead going into the fourth, and despite several rallies by Cleveland, the Celtics held on for the tough win in the end.
We’ve played in the biggest games,” Tatum said post-game. “Teams are going to make plays, but how you respond shows your growth and how special your team is. They came in 15-0, feeling like they were the best team. We felt like we were the best team. It’s all competition.
Evan Mobley tallied 22 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists for Cleveland, but wasn’t enough to overcome Boston’s balanced attack. The win underlines the status of the Celtics as one of the contending teams for the championship, while Cleveland will try to regroup after their first loss this season.
