Celtics hand Cavaliers their 1st loss of the season

The Celtics were the favorites to repeat, or at least return to the NBA Finals, after winning an unprecedented 18th championship last spring, defeating the Cavaliers in five games in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Cleveland wasn’t predicted to be a contender, even though they won a playoff series last year for the first time since LeBron James left for the second time in 2018.

“This was a great test for us, and unfortunately we didn’t get the win,” Donovan Mitchell said after the Cavaliers lost to the Boston Celtics 120-117 on Tuesday night, their first loss of the season, despite Mitchell’s 35 points.

Mitchell, who finished the fourth quarter with 18 points, including 14 consecutive Cleveland points in the last four minutes, said, “It’s definitely a measuring stick. You want to see where you are, but you don’t want to put too much emphasis on it. Now that April has arrived, our team will not be the same.”

“In that sense, you want to be a part of history. But that is no longer the case. That’s it. And it was a good run,” Mitchell added. “It was enjoyable. It’s enjoyable to play basketball, play good basketball, and win games, whether they’re blowouts, close games, or comeback victories. It’s wonderful to be a part of history. We regret not continuing it. However, November does not see any championships, as I mentioned.”