The top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers cruised past the second-seeded Boston Celtics 115-111, improving to 18-3 on the season in a dominant December 1st victory.
After suffering their first loss of the season to the Boston Celtics on November 19th, the Cleveland Cavaliers sought revenge in their December 1st rematch. With the winner claiming the top spot in the Eastern Conference and solidifying their status as Finals favorites, the stakes were high.
Entering the game on a two-game losing streak to the Atlanta Hawks, the Cavaliers were far from their best. But despite the recent setbacks, their team spirit remained undeterred. Determined to maintain their hold on the Eastern Conference top spot, the Cavs were eager to defeat their kryptonite in the seemingly unbeatable Celtics.
Cleveland’s head coach, Kenny Atkinson, credited his team’s defense for the victory but acknowledged there’s room for improvement on offense.
“We weren’t making shots at a high level. Our offense was average tonight and uh I think our defense was phenomenal,” said first year head coach Atkinson.
The Cavaliers showed resilience, outscoring the Celtics by 16 points in the final quarter to complete a comeback victory by four. After trailing by as much as 14 points in the third quarter, the Cavs refused to give up, using their team spirit to erase the deficit and secure the win.
Atkinson praised star shooting guard Dononvan Mitchell for his ability to stay positive and always be ready for the next play no matter how he is performing.
“I’ve never seen it before, he never gets down like you know you think guys would be kicking the chairs or you know ‘ah man’ or get frustrated, he just doesn’t. He has a great demeanor about him,” said Atkinson when talking about Mitchell.
The Cavs have come out with a completely different demeanor this year under Atkinson and have improved with the addition of new coaching. The Cavs wish to continue their winning ways all the way through the All Star Break as they are on pace for a record breaking season.
Mitchell has been a significant player for the Cavs and has been climbing up their record books but believes a championship is more important than his personal records.
“I’m always going to say I’m honored but you know you got to find a way to bring the city into the championship,” said Mitchell, talking in regards to making the record books.
