Jayson Tatum's elite performance punctuates Celtics' streak-snapping win vs. Cavaliers

The Cavaliers are the hottest team in the NBA, as Cleveland won its first 15 games of the season. However, they got their first real test of the year on Tuesday, and the Celtics showed why they are the defending champions with a thrilling 120-117 victory.

The game marked one of the first playoff-caliber games of the season, as this was the first matchup between the two best teams in the Eastern Conference. The two entered the game a combined 26-3, with less combined losses than any other individual team in the Eastern Conference.

Additionally, this game had serious stakes in the NBA Cup, as it marked both teams' second in-season tournament contest. The Cavaliers were 1-0 thus far in group play, while the Celtics had lost their lone group play game.

Boston began this game on top, as the Celtics held a 17-point lead at halftime and appeared to be running away with it. However, Cleveland stormed back with a big third quarter, scoring 40 points and cutting the Celtics' lead to five.

The fourth quarter was the closest of the night, but Boston prevailed in the end thanks to its stars. While Cavaliers point guard Donovan Mitchell had a game-high 35 points, it was Jayson Tatum who was able to lead his team to a victory.

Here is what you need to know from a thrilling Celtics win to end the Cavaliers' winning streak.

SN's NBA HQ: Live NBA scores | Updated NBA standings | Full NBA schedule

Jayson Tatum stats vs. Cavaliers

• Points: 33
• Assists: 7
• Rebounds: 12
• Field Goals Made/Attempts: 11/22
• 3-Pointers made/Attempts: 6/10

Jayson Tatum led the way for the defending champions, leading the team in points, rebounds and three-pointers on the night. He entered the game averaging 29.7 points, 7.9 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game, while shooting 46.1 percent from the field.

Tatum's biggest highlight of the night came at the end of the third quarter, when he sent Georges Niang flying on a step-back three-pointed to extend the lead to five and limit the Cavaliers' damage.

NBA Cup standings

The win was important for the Celtics place in the NBA Cup, as Boston had lost its first in-season tournament game of the season. In East Group C, the Cavaliers and Celtics are both 1-1, but they trail the Hawks who are 2-0 in NBA Cup games so far.

East: Group C