Losing to a Celtics team that was missing two starters did not sit well with Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson.
Tyson criticized his team for its lack of energy and hunger after Boston won 117-115 in Cleveland on Sunday without starting guard Derrick White and center Neemias Queta.
“We’re not hungry enough,” Tyson told reporters, via Fear the Sword’s Tony Pesta. “What happened to us last year, it’s a similar thing that’s happening this year. It’s a common theme, ultimately, it’s on us to fix it. The young guys, the role players, it shouldn’t be us having to bring energy every time, right? Everyone has to bring energy. Everyone has to pour into this thing.”
Viewed as one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference entering the season, the Cavs have underachieved thus far. Sunday’s loss dropped them to seventh place in the East standings, just one spot and a half-game ahead of the 11-9 Celtics.
Injuries have been an issue for Cleveland, which played Sunday’s game without starter Jarrett Allen and reserves Sam Merrill, Max Strus, Lonzo Ball and Larry Nance Jr. But not the only one, according to Tyson.
“I feel like teams want it more than us,” the second-year pro told reporters. “There’s a target on a lot of our guys’ backs, and it’s everyone’s job to say, ‘You want to come at us, let’s go.’”
Tyson was a bright spot against Boston, going 5-for-12 from 3-point range to finish with 17 points, four offensive rebounds, two steals and two blocks in 34 minutes.
The Celtics largely limited Cavs star Donovan Mitchell (18 points) until he caught fire late with two 3-pointers in the final minute. Two of Mitchell’s three lowest scoring outputs of the season have come against Boston. His backcourt partner, Darius Garland, who recently returned from a toe injury, had 21 points and eight assists but was a minus-27 in his 31 minutes.
Payton Pritchard scored a season-high 42 points to lead the Celtics, with Jaylen Brown (19 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists) turning in his fourth career triple-double.
