Cavs Fall To Celtics in Preseason Matchup

Sunday night’s contest in Boston was less about the final score and more about the opportunity for Cleveland’s coaching staff to evaluate their second unit and camp invitees, with the Cavaliers resting their regulars in the third game of the preseason. 

The Celtics, who did not rest their regulars, ran out to a 24-point edge at halftime, scored at least 30 points in all four quarters and coasted to the 138-107 win over the Wine & Gold at TD Garden. 

With Cleveland resting starters Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen – along with Lonzo Ball, De'Andre Hunter, and Sam Merrill – the Cavs went with a starting five of Jaylon Tyson, Dean Wade, Larry Nance Jr., Tyrese Proctor and Craig Porter Jr. 

Tyson led five Cavaliers in double-figures with 16 points, going 6-for-14 from the floor to go with five boards and four assists in 28 minutes of action. 

Proctor continued his impressive preseason – chipping in with 12 points on 5-of-14 shooting, adding four assists and a steal. His backcourt mate, Porter, added six points, six boards, a pair of steals and a blocked shot in the loss. 

Nance led both teams with nine boards and led Cleveland with three steals, adding 11 points in 23 minutes of action. 

Thomas Bryant was efficient off the bench once again, finishing with 11 points in 17 minutes, going 4-of-9 from the floor to go with two boards, two helpers and a steal. Killian Hayes rounded out the Cavaliers in double-figures, netting 10 points and adding a pair of steals in the loss. 

Anfernee Simons, acquired from the Blazers in an offseason deal, led all scorers with 21 points off the bench, going 6-of-9 from long-distance. Derrick White led Boston’s starters with 16 points and seven rebounds. 

Overall, the Wine & Gold shot just 35 percent from the floor and 20 percent from deep. They turned the ball over 21 times that led to 39 Boston points. On the plus side, Cleveland scored 34 points in the final quarter.

The Cavalier close out the preseason on Tuesday night when they welcome the Pistons to town. Eight days later, they tip off the regular season at Madison Square Garden to tip off the 2025-26 regular season.