Cavs lose to Celtics 124-113 in preseason opener despite standout performances

The Cleveland Cavaliers suffered a 124-113 defeat to the Boston Celtics in their preseason opener on October 8, 2026, at Rocket Arena. The Cavaliers' defense struggled against a Celtics squad missing key starters. Peyton Watson and Jaylon Tyson emerged as bright spots for Cleveland, showcasing their skills as multifaceted wings. Coach Kenny Atkinson expressed optimism about the duo's chemistry and the flexibility they provide in lineup choices. Meleek Thomas also showed promise, though the backup point guard position remains competitive. Cleveland will look to improve defensively in upcoming preseason games.

• 3:33 AMYahoo Sports — 8 Takeaways from Cavs loss to Celtics: Defense leaves much to be desired in preseason opener