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Celtics fend off Cavaliers rally, hand Cleveland its 1st loss after 15-0 start

The NBA's perfect team met the reigning champs Tuesday night.

Something had to give. It wasn't the champs.

In the most anticipated matchup of the early NBA season, the Celtics put a halt to Cleveland's perfect start at 15-0 in a 120-117 win over the Cavaliers in Boston. Boston dominated the first half, then held off a second-half rally from the Cavaliers to to secure the win.

The Celtics opened a 65-48 first-half lead, stifling Cleveland's league-best offense and 3-point shooting while hitting 14 of 22 of their own shots from beyond the arc.