Cleveland Cavaliers begin new-era with a win against Boston
Celtics
After losing their superstar during the free agency period, the Cleveland Cavaliers were almost counted out, but they proved tonight, 27 Oct, that they can still win against the elite teams
this season.
The Cavs gave their fans a reason to be excited for this season after they pulled off a stunning 95-87 win over the Boston Celtics in their season opener, Wednesday at the Quicken Loans Arena.
"This was for the city," said forward Antawn Jamison, who struggled to find his rhythm tonight. "It was for the fans to let them know the Cavs will survive and this is a place where you can
still watch good basketball. And most of all, you can watch a team that wins."
Third-year forward J.J Hickson spearheaded the Cavaliers’ attack with his 21 points and six rebounds, while Daniel Gibson had a rough shooting night, but he manage to score 16 points and
dished out eight assists for the new-look Cavaliers.
The 25-year old streak-shooter, Gibson, who is expected to provide scoring punch for the Cavaliers this season, missed his first eight attempts, but made four crucial free throws in the final
minutes of the game, sealing their first win of the season.
The Cavaliers, who were surrounded by a lot of negative predictions during the off-season, proved that they are up to the challenge and will not let the Cavs be among the league’s cellar-dweller
this year.
"Guys in this locker room believe," said Jamison. "We've been listening to what people are predicting for us. We're going to let our game do the talking. It's probably going to take a month
or so for people to realize, 'Hey, this is a team that can win and compete for the playoffs."
Ramon Sessions also had an impressive debut in a Cleveland uniform, as he racked up 14 points and three assists, and the 24-year old point guard was surprised with the terrific support from
their fans despite losing their two-time MVP during the summer.
"It felt like Game 7 of the finals," Sessions said. "I've never been to the finals, but that was the type of atmosphere here."
Rajon Rondo led Boston with his 18 points and nine assists, while Glen Davis and Paul Pierce chipped in 14 and 13 points, respectively. Kevin Garnett racked up nine points and game-high 15
boards for the Celtics, who defeated the Miami Heat, 88-80, in their season-opener.
Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers, who received a lot of congratulatory handshakes from Cleveland fans for defeating LeBron James’ team, admitted that they took the Cavs lightly and they
were outhustled by Cleveland.
"We're the most popular team in Cleveland right now, beating Miami and losing to the Cavs," said Rivers. "That's what the Cleveland fans want to see. This is blue-collar town. This team will
fit them very well."
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