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.

The Cleveland Cavaliers entered the TD Garden with the second-longest winning streak to start a season in NBA history. However, that streak ended at 15 games with their 120-117 loss to the Boston Celtics.