ESPN.com · Nov 20, 2024
Celtics prevail in 'test' game to hand Cavaliers first loss
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BOSTON -- Before his Cavaliers put their perfect 15-0 start to the season to the test Tuesday night at TD Garden against the defending NBA champion Celtics, coach Kenny Atkinson was asked what he hoped to get out of the game.
"We want feedback," Atkinson said. "More feedback. Hopefully, we'll see this team down the road -- and down the road in an important game. On the other hand, I don't want to blow this game out of proportion. It's that balance, but it's more anxious to see where we are."
Atkinson got his wish. The result? Boston, despite a stellar push from Cleveland after halftime, had enough to hold off the Cavaliers 120-117 and end their unblemished start.