After 15 consecutive wins to kick off the season, the Cleveland Cavaliers have finally lost their first game, 120-117, on the road against the defending champion Boston Celtics. The defeat ensures that Cleveland would not claim sole possession of the second-longest undefeated start to a season in NBA history.

The matchup is elite: Cleveland and Boston rank No. 1 and 2 in offensive rating, with the Cavs sixth defensively and the Celtics ninth. The playoff series in May was determined in the trenches, with Boston grabbing a 221-177 rebounding edge while getting and making 30 more free throws.