BOSTON — Everyone knew the deal. The Cleveland Cavaliers entered Tuesday's game against the reigning champions with a 15-0 record, second-best start to a season ever, and it was an NBA Cup game to boot.
"We knew," said Boston Celtics guard Derrick White. "Everybody knew."
In front of a national television audience, the Celtics reminded the Cavaliers that the Eastern Conference still runs through Boston. They made five of their first eight 3-point attempts, took an 18-8 advantage midway through the opening quarter and never trailed again in a 120-117 victory Cleveland never quit.
Boston pushed its lead to 65-48 by halftime, making nine more 3-pointers on 11 attempts in the second quarter.