The Cavaliers are the hottest team in the NBA, as Cleveland won its first 15 games of the season. But they got their first real test of the year Tuesday, and the Celtics showed why they are the defending champions in a thrilling 120-117 victory.
The game marked one of the first playoff-caliber games of the season, as this was the first matchup between the two best teams in the Eastern Conference. The two entered the game a combined 26-3, with fewer combined losses than any other single team in the Eastern Conference.
Additionally, this game had serious stakes in the NBA Cup, as it marked each team’s second contest in the in-season tournament. The Cavaliers entered 1-0 in group play, while the Celtics had lost their lone group play game…