The Cleveland Cavaliers faced their first loss of the season against the reigning champions, the Boston Celtics. The game held plenty of lessons for the Cavs.

Donovan Mitchell, the team's star player, was held back by Boston's defense for most of the night. However, he sparked a comeback in the second half with his scoring. Mitchell's individual efforts were notable, but the Cavs didn't use him effectively in the final quarter.

Evan Mobley shone brightly on both ends of the court. His defensive prowess disrupted the Celtics' flow, and he compensated for the absence of injured players. Unfortunately, the Cavs didn't rely on him much in the fourth quarter, which was a key oversight.

Darius Garland struggled offensively, missing most of his shots. Despite his defensive efforts, his poor shooting hurt the team. The Cavs might have benefited from other players taking over the game.

Jarrett Allen had a standard night, doing well on defense but not making a significant impact offensively. Boston's numerous three-point attempts made it hard for Allen to make a difference on the glass.

Sam Merrill faced difficulties against the Celtics' switch defense. While he kept the ball in front of him, Brown and Tatum's height advantage posed challenges.

Georges Niang was effective on both ends, scoring consistently and using his size well. However, he has limitations against the Celtics' wings and wasn’t as effective in rotations as other players.

Ty Jerome contributed but was outshone by his counterpart. He played a crucial role in the second-half rally and handled the ball well.

Craig Porter Jr. played exceptionally well, showing confidence in shooting and decision-making. He was crucial in the Cavs' third-quarter run and demonstrated a new offensive role.

Rethinking the Game: Cavs Fall Short to Champs

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