BOSTON — The Boston Celtics (12-3) were the first team to hand the Cleveland Cavaliers (15-1) their first loss on the season Tuesday night, in their NBA Cup Group Stage win, final score 120-117.

This matchup was a highly-anticipated game throughout the NBA in determining whether the Cavaliers truly have a shot to dethrone the Celtics in the eastern conference. It was just last year that the Celtics eliminated Cleveland in the playoffs to advance to the conference finals. On Tuesday, the Celtics handled their business and closed out the game.

Jayson Tatum led the Celtics and was hot from out the gate. Tatum finished the first half with 17 points and was a perfect four-for-four from deep in the first two quarters. The former Duke player finished with 33 points and 12 boards. The Celtics led the game at 20 points at one point in the third quarter, but Cleveland went on a run to end out the quarter which made it a close game. Tatum, Derrick White (19 points), Al Horford (20) and Jaylen Brown (17) each hit big shots down the stretch to win.

“We played a lot of basketball, we played in the biggest games, it’s a game of runs, the NBA is full of talented teams, it’s how you respond,” said Tatum after the game.

The C’s were hot from deep as they made 22 three-pointers as a unit. They didn’t put up the typical 50+ shots that they’re used to, but that’s a credit to Clevelands defense in the final quarter. Donovan Mitchell finished with 35 points and began to cause issues when he started playing downhill.

Final thoughts

Up to this point, the Celtics have been reclaiming their spot as the best team in the eastern conference. The Cavs have been playing well under first-year head coach Kenny Atkinson. This game was just a reminder that the Celtics don’t need Kristaps Porzingis to beat any team in their conference. However, once again the Celtics struggled whenever the opposing team pushed the tempo up the floor. The front court of the Celtics, including Sam Hauser, struggled stay in front of players. Nonetheless, the Celtics stay alive in the NBA Cup (which I don’t care much about, and I’m sure the C’s feel the same).