Cleveland Cavaliers: What we learned vs. Boston Celtics

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CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 17: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks to get around Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena on October 17, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland won the game 102-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

The Cleveland Cavaliers opened up the season with a 102-99 win over the Boston Celtics.

The Cleveland Cavaliers had a great start jumping out to an 18 point lead. Kyrie Irving and company fought back to take the lead in the third. The fourth quarter was back and forth until Kevin Love hit a game-clinching three. Irving had a chance to tie it, but he couldn’t make a three-pointer over LeBron James.

James led the way once again. He willed Cleveland to victory by putting up 29 points on 12 of 19 shooting, 16 boards, 9 assists, and 2 blocks. The offense couldn’t get anything going besides what LeBron provided. Cleveland players not named LeBron were 26 of 71 (36.6%) from the field. As a team, the Cavs were just 5 of 22 (22.7%) from deep.

Kevin Love was the team’s second-leading scorer finishing with 15 points on 4-of-9 shooting and 11 boards. Derrick Rose and Dwyane Wade didn’t have efficient scoring nights. Rose tallied 14 points on 5-of-14 shooting. Wade was just 3-of-10 from the floor for 8 points.

Kyrie Irving had a solid outing in his first NBA game, not in a Cavs’ uniform. He finished with 22 points and 10 assists. Jaylen Brown led Boston in scoring with 25 points.

The Celtics’ title chances took a significant hit on opening night. Boston will be without their all-star and arguably best player Gordon Hayward after he suffered a season-ending ankle injury just five minutes into the season.

Here’s what we learned from the Cavs’ victory.