(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND--Celtics Head Coach Brad Stevens said the Cavs are good and they are improved. But thanks to Gordon Hayward's 39 points (tied-career high) and a key offensive rebound late in the game, the Celtics hang on to beat the Cavs 119-113.
Cavs had to defend Hayward who went 17 of 20. Hayward had his worst career moment two years ago in Cleveland with an awful-looking leg injury that took him out of the 2017-2018 season. Tonight, he had one of his best games in the same arena.
Somehow, the Cavs never went away and it was Collin Sexton who made the shot late in the 4th quarter to cut lead to 3 points (116-113) with 93 seconds to go in regulation. Sexton led the Cavs with 21 points.
Tristan Thompson has emerged as a leader on the boards and on the offensive side of the ball. On his 19 point and 13 rebound night, he made a critical play as part of the comeback attempt in the fourth quarter.
Cavs Head Coach John Beilein said during postgame show wants his team to play Boston's brand of basketball.
Cavs will begin their road trip against the Washington Wizards this Friday on Newsradio WTAM 1100AM/106.9FM. The Celtics will head to Charlotte to face Kemba Walker's former team on Thursday night.