Photo via Yahoo Sports

Final Score: Cavs lose first preseason game 124-113 to Celtics

The Cleveland Cavaliers opened their preseason campaign with a 124-113 loss to the Boston Celtics, marking their first defeat of the exhibition slate. Starting lineup adjustments and key absences framed the matchup: Donovan Mitchell, Jaylon Tyson, Peyton Watson, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen led Cleveland, while James Harden sat out due to ankle soreness.

Boston played without Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, Peyton Pritchard, Mitchell Robinson, and Paul George, relying on their depth to dominate early with 17 three-pointers and a 32-29 lead after the first quarter. Tyson was Cleveland’s top scorer in the opening half, finishing with 14 points on efficient shooting, though the Cavaliers’ starters rested entirely in the second half per coach Kenny Atkinson’s plan, allowing younger players like rookie Meleek Thomas and veterans Mario Hezonja to take the floor.

Thomas flashed potential with defensive intensity and on-ball creativity, while Hezonja gradually found his rhythm after a slow start, contributing a three-pointer and a driving assist in the third quarter. The game’s chaotic preseason nature included odd lineups, limited effort, and sporadic outbursts—like Thomas Bryant’s immediate deep-seal charge in the paint—highlighting both the unpredictability and occasional flashes of promise in exhibition play.

Up nextNBA· 2h ago

LeBron James, 76ers' loaded starting 5 play preseason game: Did we learn anything?