The Boston Celtics, led by a dominant performance from Jayson Tatum, halted the Cleveland Cavaliers’ historic winning streak at 15 games on Tuesday night.
Tatum’s 33 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists propelled the Celtics to a thrilling 120-117 victory in NBA Cup action.
The Cavaliers, aiming to become only the second team in NBA history to start a season 16-0 (matching the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors’ 24-game win streak), fell short despite a valiant effort from Donovan Mitchell, who poured in 35 points and 8 rebounds.
The Celtics’ win was just one of several upsets in a night filled with NBA Cup drama.
Cameron Johnson’s career-high 34 points, including six three-pointers, helped the Nets edge out the Hornets in a close battle.
Charlotte had a chance to win at the buzzer, but Brandon Miller’s desperation three was tipped in by Grant Williams for the winning basket.
Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. led the shorthanded Nuggets to victory over the Grizzlies. Russell Westbrook, returning from injury, notched his 200th career triple-double with 12 points, 14 assists, and 10 rebounds.
Keldon Johnson paced the Spurs with 22 points, while Chris Paul’s clutch three-pointer down the stretch sealed the win for San Antonio despite missing key players Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 32 points weren’t enough for the Thunder.
Luka Doncic led a well-balanced Mavericks attack with 26 points as Dallas cruised to a blowout victory over the Pelicans. The win marked the Mavericks’ third straight and snapped New Orleans’ eight-game losing streak.
Rookie sensation Dalton Knecht stole the show for the Lakers, pouring in a career-high 37 points and tying the NBA rookie record with nine three-pointers.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis provided strong support with double-doubles as the Lakers extended their winning streak to six games.
