The 76ers and Bucks have both slipped into a disappointing start for the 2024 NBA season, prompting the question: which team has truly underperformed the most? The FTH crew takes a deep dive into their analyses and picks.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have demonstrated exceptional skill, showcasing the potential of a team that could be more than just good—they might be on the cusp of greatness.
Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics have proven to be formidable opponents, further justifying their status as one of the best teams in the league. On this particular night, however, the Cavaliers fell short of their high expectations.
In a thrilling NBA Cup matchup, the defending champion Celtics ended the Cavs’ impressive 15-game winning streak, handing Cleveland its first loss of the season in a nail-biting 120-117 victory on Tuesday night.
Cleveland faced an overwhelming offensive display from Boston, characterized by an impressive 3-point shooting performance. The Celtics launched a barrage of 3-pointers, landing 14 in the first half alone, coupled with elite shot-making and a resolute defensive effort that effectively stifled the Cavs’ scoring opportunities.
This highly anticipated showdown was not just a regular season clash; it marked a rematch of last year’s playoffs, where Boston eliminated Cleveland in the second round with a commanding 4-1 series victory. The game pitted the league’s top two offenses against each other, with the Cavaliers ranking first at 122.1 points per 100 possessions and the Celtics closely following in second at 121.4 points per 100 possessions. Both teams also displayed tenacity on defense, with the Cavs allowing 110.7 points per 100 possessions and the Celtics not far behind at 111.2 points.
Jayson Tatum, a central figure in the early-season MVP discussions, put forth a remarkable performance, leading the Celtics with 33 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists, and two steals. He was one of six Celtics players who scored in double figures during the game. At one point, Boston held a commanding lead of 79-58 early in the third quarter.
Donovan Mitchell showcased his scoring prowess for the Cavs, finishing with 35 points and eight rebounds. Teammate Evan Mobley added 22 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, but it simply wasn’t enough to counter the Celtics’ offensive onslaught.
How the Celtics won
The Celtics executed a masterclass in shooting, outscoring Cleveland 66-30 on 3-pointers while shooting an impressive 51.2% from the field, including a staggering 53.7% from beyond the arc. Even though the Cavs made a spirited effort to close the gap, trimming a substantial 79-58 deficit to 88-86 late in the third quarter, the monumental challenge of overcoming a 36-point deficit in 3-pointers proved insurmountable.
Al Horford contributed significantly to the Celtics’ victory, scoring 20 points, while Derrick White added 19 points, Jaylen Brown netted 17 points, Payton Pritchard chipped in 13, and Jrue Holiday added 11 points to the team’s total. The Celtics also have the anticipation of Kristaps Porzingis rejoining the lineup later this season, heightening their championship aspirations.
What are the NBA Cup implications of the Cavs-Celtics game?
Following the game, Cleveland and Boston both hold a record of 1-1 in East Group C play, trailing the 2-0 Atlanta. Despite the loss, both teams still hold chances to advance to the quarterfinals, either by winning their group or securing a wild-card slot. The Cavaliers will conclude group play against Atlanta and Washington, while the Celtics will face Washington and Chicago.
When do the Cavaliers and Celtics play next?
This matchup marks the first of four meetings between the Cavaliers and Celtics this season. The teams are set to clash again on Dec. 1 in Cleveland, followed by another game on Feb. 4 in Cleveland, and wrapping up their regular-season series on Feb. 28 at Boston.
Notes on the Cavs’ winning streak
The Cavaliers’ remarkable 15-0 start not only represents the longest winning streak in franchise history, but it also ties for the second-best start to a season in NBA history. They join the ranks of historic teams such as the 1993-94 Houston Rockets and the 1948-49 Washington Capitols, trailing only the legendary 2015-16 Warriors, who started their season with an unprecedented 24-0 record.
Head coach Kenny Atkinson, currently viewed as the early frontrunner for NBA Coach of the Year, has made history as the first coach ever to launch a season with a 15-0 record in their inaugural year with a team.
What are the key factors contributing to the 76ers’ disappointing start in the NBA season?
**Interview with Sports Analyst Mike Thompson on the NBA’s Disappointing Start for the 76ers and Bucks**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Mike. Let’s dive right in. Both the Philadelphia 76ers and the Milwaukee Bucks have had surprising starts to the 2024 NBA season. In your opinion, which team has underperformed the most?
**Mike Thompson**: Thank you for having me! It’s definitely a tough question, but I’d say the 76ers have been a bit more disappointing. They came into the season with high expectations, especially with their star players and recent roster moves. Yet, their chemistry seems off, and they’re struggling to find consistency in their play.
**Editor**: Interesting point! Now, contrasting their struggles, we’ve seen the Cleveland Cavaliers showcase impressive potential, ending a 15-game winning streak against the Celtics. What does this mean for both the Cavs and the Celtics moving forward?
**Mike Thompson**: The Cavaliers have really emerged as a strong contender this season. Their ability to build such a lengthy winning streak speaks volumes about their depth and talent. However, the loss to the Celtics reveals vulnerabilities that they must address. For the Celtics, this victory solidifies their status as one of the top teams in the league. Jayson Tatum’s performance really carried them, and if they can maintain that level of play, they’ll be a difficult team to beat.
**Editor**: Speaking of the Celtics, how significant was their shooting performance against the Cavaliers?
**Mike Thompson**: It was absolutely pivotal. They completely controlled the game with their 3-point shooting, particularly in that explosive first half. Outscoring Cleveland 66-30 from beyond the arc is just staggering. It shows their ability to dominate on offense and put pressure on opposing defenses. That kind of shooting can change the momentum of a game quickly.
**Editor**: Looking ahead, what are the main adjustments these underperforming teams—especially the 76ers and Bucks—need to make to turn their seasons around?
**Mike Thompson**: For the 76ers, they need to re-establish their identity on both ends of the floor. They have the talent, but finding a consistent rhythm and improving their defensive intensity is key. As for the Bucks, it might be about making sure Giannis and the supporting cast are syncing up better. They have a great roster, but they need to capitalize on their strengths collectively rather than relying too heavily on one or two players.
**Editor**: Great insights, Mike. Before we wrap up, any final thoughts on how this early part of the season shapes the narrative for the rest of the NBA?
**Mike Thompson**: Absolutely. These early struggles are critical, not just for team dynamics but also when it comes to playoff positioning. Teams that can bounce back now will build momentum, while those that remain stagnant may face a tougher road ahead. It’s a long season, but these early games can dictate trends that carry through to April.
**Editor**: Thank you so much for your time, Mike! Your insights are invaluable as we navigate this intriguing NBA season.
**Mike Thompson**: My pleasure! Looking forward to seeing how everything unfolds!
