Are the Cleveland Cavaliers a real threat to the Boston Celtics in the NBA's Eastern Conference? After starting the 2024-25 regular season stronger than any team in the league, the Cavs are forcing opposing ball clubs to re-assess where they see Cleveland as a potential title contender this season.

The Boston Celtics handed the Cleveland Cavaliers their first defeat of the season on Tuesday, holding off a spirited fightback to record a thrilling 120-117 victory.

However, the Celtics won for a far more simple reason: They made 22 3-pointers and shot 53.7% from deep. Boston shot 14-of-22 (65.2%) on 3-pointers in the first half. For the game, core Celtics Tatum, Horford, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard combined to shoot 20-of-32 from beyond the arc.