Cavaliers Can’t Overcome Tough First Quarter, Lose Third Straight

Cleveland was outscored by Boston 33-24 in the first quarter, which ultimately proved to be the difference in the final score.

In their first meeting of the season two nights ago, the Cleveland Cavaliers got off to a fast start, outscoring the Boston Celtics 31-21 in the first quarter.

On Thursday night, however, this script was flipped.

Cleveland was outscored 33-24 in the first 12 minutes, which ultimately proved to be the difference in a 116-107 wire-to-wire defeat to the Celtics. This marks the Wine and Gold’s third consecutive loss.

While the Cavaliers shot 9-for-20 (45.0%) from the field in the opening period, they shot just 1-for-10 (10.0%) from three-point range. Cleveland also committed five turnovers, which Boston converted into seven points.

The Wine and Gold did have a bright spot in the first quarter, though. Star shooting guard Donovan Mitchell scored a game-high 12 points, shooting 4-of-7 (57.1%) from the field, 1-for-3 (33.3%) from three-point territory, and a perfect 3-for-3 from the free-throw line.

Dec 14, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) shoots against Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) in the first quarter at TD Garden / © David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

He eventually ended the night with game-highs of 31 points and six assists, scoring at least 30 points for his eighth time this season.

The Cavaliers and Celtics were even the rest of the way, with each team scoring 83 points over the final three quarters.

Cleveland did fight back in a major way in the third quarter, outscoring Boston 33-25. Swingman Caris LeVert led all players with 15 of his 26 points in the period, shooting 6-for-7 (85.7%) from the field and a perfect 3-for-3 from deep. He also had a game-high two steals in the quarter.

Despite the Cavaliers cutting the Celtics’ lead to just three to begin the fourth quarter, Boston began the final period on a 7-0 run and did not look back.

Up next, the Wine and Gold will begin a four-game homestand against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m.