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Jayson Tatum's 33 Points Lead Celtics Over Cavaliers 120-117, Ending Cleveland's 15-0 Start

Nov 20, 2024, 02:23 AM

The Boston Celtics defeated the previously unbeaten Cleveland Cavaliers 120-117, ending Cleveland's 15-0 start to the season, which was tied for the second-longest to open a season in NBA history. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 33 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists, shooting 11-of-22 from the field and 6-of-10 from three-point range. Al Horford contributed 20 points, Derrick White added 19, and Jaylen Brown scored 17. Boston's three-point shooting was decisive; the team made 22-of-41 attempts, shooting 53.7% from beyond the arc, including 14-of-22 in the first half. The Celtics built a 21-point lead in the first half, leading 65-48 at halftime. The Cavaliers, who dominated inside with 60 points in the paint, mounted a comeback in the second half, fueled by Donovan Mitchell's 35 points, including 18 in the fourth quarter, and a 15-0 run. However, the Cavaliers fell short, with Darius Garland struggling, scoring 8 points on 3-of-21 shooting. The victory keeps the Celtics' NBA Cup hopes alive; both teams are now 1-1 in group play, with Cleveland ahead on point differential.