Garza Stars as Celtics Open Preseason With 124-113 Win Over Cavs

The Boston Celtics opened their preseason account with a 124-113 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night, and it was an unlikely name leading the charge.

Luka Garza, the hustle-first big man, delivered 22 points and 10 rebounds in a tireless performance that set the tone for a Boston side that led almost from start to finish. Devin Carter, signed to an Exhibit 10 deal in September after leaving Sacramento, added 17 points off the bench in an encouraging debut.

Cleveland played most of its starters but had no answer for Boston's energy, even with the Celtics resting a long list of regulars — Jayston Tatum, Paul George, Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, Mitchell Robinson, Neemias Queta and Derrick White all sat out the opener.

The win gives Boston's coaching staff an early look at the depth pieces fighting for rotation spots and roster places. Garza's double-double was the standout line of the night, a reminder that preseason minutes matter most to the players with the most to prove. The Celtics will look to build on the result as their exhibition slate continues, while Cleveland heads back to work searching for answers after being outworked on its own floor.