# Celtics Open Preseason with Win

> Celtics beat Cavaliers in preseason opener with key players watching from bench.
- Title: Celtics Open Preseason with Win · The Boston Globe | Shortify
- Summary: Celtics beat Cavaliers in preseason opener with key players watching from bench. Celtics secured a 124-113 win over Cavaliers in preseason opener with eight…
- Keywords: celtics, cavaliers, preseason, joe mazzulla, luka garza, devin carters, nfl, boston, news, local, Open, Win
- Source: The Boston Globe — https://bostonglobe.com/2026/10/08/sports/celtics-cavaliers-preseason-game-score
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: celtics, cavaliers, preseason, joe mazzulla, luka garza, devin carters, nfl, boston, news, local
## Celtics sit eight top players
Celtics opened preseason by sitting eight of their top rotation players against the Cavaliers.
## Celtics win 124-113
Celtics secured a 124-113 win over Cavaliers after backups erupted for 71 points in first half.
## Luka Garza leads scoring
Luka Garza paced Celtics with 22 points and 10 rebounds in preseason opener.

> Luka Garza paced the Celtics with 22 points and 10 rebounds in the preseason opener.
## Joe Mazzulla watches game
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla watched much of game from locker room to gain perspective.

> Just really see like what I don’t see when I’m out there
## Carter shows physicality
Carter absorbed contact repeatedly and converted 3-point plays despite foul.

> He tumbled to the ground after taking a hit on a dunk, sliced through the lane and converted a 3-point play
## Celtics focus on offensive rebounds
Celtics grabbed offensive rebounds on 10 of 19 missed shots in first quarter.

> In the first quarter, the Celtics grabbed offensive rebounds on 10 of their 19 missed shots
## Celtics prepare for next game
Celtics will have offensive firepower but count on Hugo González for defensive disruptor.
## Key takeaway

Celtics secured a 124-113 win over Cavaliers in preseason opener with eight top rotation players sitting.