So, a game happened... Celtics’ comeback falls short, Cavs win 102-99

Words are kind of my thing, ...but I’m not sure I have the right words for this.

The season started off with great promise and optimism. It seemed like a fun new chapter for the team. That changed quickly when Gordon Hayward went down with a horrible looking ankle injury.

Players from both teams were visibly shook up in the moment and the Celtics looked completely out of rhythm for the rest of the first half. Ball movement was erratic and sluggish. Shots were short or long or just off completely. The Cavs took advantage and built up an 18 point lead.

At the half Brad Stevens implored his team to move on because “we just have to.” Apparently they got the message because they went on a 28-11 tear in the 3rd quarter to take a brief lead.

Jaylen Brown in particular was aggressive and successful for most of the night. He led the comeback with heads up plays and and a refuse-to-back-down attitude. He finished with 25 points.

Kyrie Irving led the way in the 4th quarter as the Celtics and Cavs traded leads. Of course, LeBron James is still very good at this sport. He led Cleveland with 29 points, 16 rebounds, and 9 assists and made the plays down the stretch to win the ballgame.

Additional Notes:

• Jayson Tatum also looked poised for most of the night, finishing with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
• The Celtics started off 0-10 from 3 point land and finished just 8-32.
• Marcus Smart finished with 12 points and 9 rebounds and played heady defense, as he does. (And yes, he was 0-4 from 3)
• Rozier chipped in with 9 points and 3 steals.