The Boston Celtics ended the Cleveland Cavaliers’ unbeaten start to the NBA season with a victory that showcased their ability to handle high-pressure moments. Jayson Tatum led the way for Boston, scoring 33 points, including six three-pointers in a game, part of the NBA Cup. The Celtics displayed their depth with six players scoring in double figures, using a balanced approach to withstand a late Cavaliers rally. Cleveland clawed back from a 21-point deficit, narrowing the gap to just two points in the final minutes. However, Tatum’s clutch three-pointer, combined with Boston’s poise, secured the win.
UNDEFEATED NO MORE‼️
The Celtics pick up a HUGE #EmiratesNBACup win over the Cavaliers at home ☘️ pic.twitter.com/OtHMx0jKL6
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 20, 2024
In Los Angeles, the Lakers extended their winning streak to six games by defeating the Utah Jazz 124-118. Rookie Dalton Knecht stole the show, tying the NBA’s single-game rookie record with nine three-pointers and scoring a career-high 37 points. LeBron James and Anthony Davis also had solid performances, each finishing with 26 points to keep the Lakers unbeaten at home. The Jazz, led by Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George, mounted a late push but fell short against the Lakers’ sustained pressure.
The San Antonio Spurs secured their first NBA Cup win with a 110-104 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 22 points, while Chris Paul hit a crucial late-game three-pointer. Despite missing key players due to injuries, including Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio relied on strong defense and balanced scoring. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 32 points for Oklahoma City but could not prevent the Spurs’ victory in the West Group B matchup.