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Mario Hezonja struggles in preseason debut with Cavaliers against Celtics

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 11, 2026, 10:13 AM

Last updated Oct 11, 2026

Mario Hezonja struggles in preseason debut with Cavaliers against Celtics

Summary

Mario Hezonja made his return to the NBA on October 10, playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers in a preseason matchup against the Boston Celtics. Hezonja recorded five points on 2-of-7 shooting, five rebounds, and three assists in 16 minutes during the Cavaliers' 124-113 loss. The Croatian forward noted the challenge of adjusting to the length of NBA defenders compared to European leagues. Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson expressed confidence that Hezonja will improve as he finds his place in the rotation. The Cavaliers aim to finalize their lineup ahead of the regular season, needing size on the wing following recent player departures.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Hezonja scores five points in Cavaliers' preseason loss to Celtics.
•Cavaliers reach Eastern Conference Finals last season.
•Hezonja played 16 minutes off the bench.
•Atkinson believes Hezonja will improve as preseason progresses.
•Cavaliers look to solidify their roster before the regular season.

Latest Updates

10:13 AMYahoo Sports — Mario Hezonja NBA Return Runs Into a Familiar Hurdle in Cleveland

What they're saying

"
Mario Hezonja is back in the NBA after six seasons away, and the Croatian native is already running into an old problem in a new setting. The Mario Hezonja NBA return began Thursday with a rough preseason debut for the Cavaliers, who reached the Eastern Conference Finals last season, and the former No. 5 pick […] The post Mario Hezonja NBA Return Runs Into a Familiar Hurdle in Cleveland appeared first on HEAVY.
— Yahoo Sports

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