Celtics end Cavaliers' 15-0 start to the season in NBA Cup matchup
The streaking Cleveland Cavaliers tested themselves against the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics and came away with a loss — and a lot to work on
BOSTON (AP) — This one wasn’t about their perfect season or a 15-game winning streak or even the NBA Cup.
This was a chance for the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers to see where they stood against the defending champions.
“This was a great test for us, and unfortunately we didn’t get the win,” said Donovan Mitchell, whose 35 points couldn’t prevent the Cavaliers from picking up their first loss of the season, 120-117 to the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night.
“It’s definitely a measuring stick,” said Mitchell, who scored 18 points in the fourth quarter, including 14 straight Cleveland points in the final four minutes. You want to see where you’re at, but not hold too much weight on it. ... We’re not going to be the same team now that we are in April."
