NBA - New-look Cavaliers whip Celtics, 121-99
By Oliver Iglesias
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 13 Feb 2018
BOSTON ? Lebron James had a big smile on Sunday, one he will probably wear until the end of the season.
The visiting Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Celtics 121-99 Sunday afternoon at the TD Garden, spoiling a double celebration with Paul Pierce?s retirement ceremony right after the game.
All-star James flirted with a triple-double with 24 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds while Jordan Clarkson - newly-acquired from the Lakers - had 17 points. JR Smith contributed 15 points,new recruits Rodney Hood and George Hill also added 15 points and 12 markers,respectively.
Cleveland raced to a 64-52 halftime lead before stepping again on the gas in the third quarter, boosting their insurmountable lead to 21 points, 95-74.
Terry Rozier led the Celtics with 21 points and 9 rebounds while Irving scored 18 points and 5 assists in a losing effort.
The Celtics has now lost its second straight but still stays 2nd in the East at 40-18 behind the Raptors.
Cleveland was 45-for-84 for 53.6%field goal conversion while the Celtics had 36-for-89 for 40.4% clip.
At the post-game press conference, Philboxing was able to pose a question about Coach Brad Stevens? thought process in defending the new-look Cavaliers next time as a potential play-off opponent given their youth, athleticism and speed.
?We will watch them a lot more, we will go back to how we played them tonight and see what we can do differently. They added four really good players who played well tonight,? said Stevens.
The Celtics next play against LA Clippers on February 14.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Oliver Iglesias.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Filipinos Vitor and Tapales Take on Russians for IBF Asia Titles in Moscow Today
By Dong Secuya, Fri, 13 Feb 2026Manny Pacquiao Promotions Returns to Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. with a Pair of World Championship Bouts
Fri, 13 Feb 2026IOAN CROFT AND GARAN CROFT SIGN FOR MATCHROOM BOXING AS EDDIE HEARN LOOKS AHEAD TO BRIGHT FUTURE FOR EXCITING WELSH TWINS
Fri, 13 Feb 20263 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Fri, 13 Feb 2026Day One Concludes at 2026 USA Boxing International Open
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Female Boxing GOAT Katie Taylor to be Special guest at All-N.E. Golden Gloves Thursday, Feb. 12, in Lowell, MA
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Brandon McCarthy Signs with Wise Owl Boxing, Set to Make Noise at 135 lbs
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Filipino Boxers Set for Action on Valentine's Day in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Oklahoma Outplays LA Lakers, 119-110; Arrests Skid to Hold on to League Lead
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Malaya Vibrations to play gig at 5th MFPI Mindanao Summit
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Fight of the Night in Thailand: Ador Torres and Sairike Tuolewutayi Battle to a Thrilling Draw
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Young Australian Benji Birchell Claims Title Win in Thailand
Wed, 11 Feb 2026Tickets for the Inaugural “Mike Tyson Invitational” Amateur Fight Night on Saturday, March 14, in Las Vegas Are on Sale Now
Wed, 11 Feb 20262026 USA Boxing Men's Elite High Performance Team and Squad Rosters Announced
Wed, 11 Feb 2026IIEE, SAEP shared lead, PIChE won 3rd in a row in the PTC WED NEMO Chess
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 11 Feb 2026