The Boston Celtics started off the Eastern Conference Finals with their unlucky foot, tying a franchise-worst 22-point halftime deficit at home during the postseason.

Said deficit ultimately resulted in a 117-104 Game 1 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night, once again nullifying their home court advantage for the third straight series.

LeBron James carried the majority of the scoring assault with his 23 points on 10-of-15 shooting from the floor en route to his game-high 38 points, as the Cavs got off to a 61-39 lead at the half.

Article Continues Below
Related News
Kristaps Porzingis photoshopped in Magic jersey. Include his jersey number.
Magic offseason trade proposal for Kristaps Porzingis as Celtics get finances in checkBailey Bassett ·
Jrue Holiday photoshopped in Kings jersey.
Kings offseason trade proposal for Jrue Holiday amid Celtics’ financial concernsBailey Bassett ·
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during game three of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
NBA awards voter reveals $315M Jayson Tatum reason for giving up voteJulian Ojeda ·
The Boston Celtics bench in the final seconds of the game against the Sacramento Kings at TD Garden.
5 early Boston Celtics NBA free agency targets in 2025 offseasonRohan Brahmbhatt ·
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) and Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) talk after their game at TD Garden.
Damian Lillard shares photo with Celtics’ Jayson Tatum amid Achilles rehabsZachary Howell ·
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) and forward Jayson Tatum (0) warm up before game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden.
NBA rumors: Shams promises Celtics trades as part of ‘craziest offseason ever’Jackson Stone ·

Despite a disastrous start to the game, the Celtics aren't known to be intimidated by a loss, as they are historically the winningest franchise in the association with 17 championships in 54 playoff appearances in their 70-year history.

All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas (17 points) will have to do a lot more to reverse this luck, as he was once again outscored by his backcourt mate Avery Bradley, whose calling card has been perimeter defense throughout his career.

Thomas has now scored under 20 points in three of his last five games after averaging a third-best 28.9 points per game in the regular season.