The Cleveland Cavaliers left nearly their entire starting lineup at home on Sunday and absorbed a 138-107 preseason defeat against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden.
Head coach Kenny Atkinson opted to rest Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, DeAndre Hunter, Lonzo Ball and Sam Merrill. Merrill is dealing with a minor groin strain, while the others were given a scheduled night off. Guards Darius Garland and Max Strus also remained unavailable as they recover from offseason surgeries.
Boston’s first unit seized control quickly, opening a double-digit lead in the first quarter and stretching the margin to as many as 37 points. The Celtics starters played regular rotation minutes and looked in mid-season form.
With Cleveland’s top players sidelined, rookie wing Jaylon Tyson paced the visitors with 16 points. First-year guard Tyrese Proctor added 12, showing flashes of poise as a primary ballhandler, and veteran forward Larry Nance Jr. scored 11 in 23 minutes.
Atkinson had indicated earlier in training camp that he wanted one game to extend minutes to the back end of the roster, and Sunday’s matchup fulfilled that plan. The coaching staff used the contest to evaluate combinations and give younger players extended run.
The Cavaliers conclude the preseason Tuesday at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse against the Detroit Pistons before traveling to New York for their regular-season opener. Atkinson said the focus now shifts to getting the full roster healthy and aligned for opening night.
Source: Hoops Wire
