The Big Three keeps getting asked the big question: Can you repeat?

For the Boston Celtics' Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, it's the question they've already heard countless times -- and it's still the preseason.

The defending NBA champions were in town last night to play the Cleveland Cavaliers in an NBA preseason game at Pitt's Petersen Events Center -- and the repeat issue was thrown at the Celtics a few more times. The Celtics beat the Cavaliers, 90-86, in front of a crowd of 8,221.

The repeat question is natural for a defending champion in any sport, and even more so for a storied franchise such as the Celtics, who have the three big stars together for the second season. Pierce, Garnett and Allen all played at least 19 minutes last night, their most extensive action of the preseason. Allen scored 15 points, Pierce 14 and Garnett 11.

Cleveland's LeBron James played almost 18 minutes and scored 12 points. It was his most extensive preseason action.

"There are always a bunch of the same questions every year," Allen said. "Last year, it was who was going to take the last shot in games for us? How are we going to share the ball? How are we going to be able to play together? It's OK about the [repeat] question. It's just the way it is."

While the Celtics have the core of their team together from last year, Allen insists this is still a different crew than the one that beat the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals. One of the reasons is the departure of James Posey, a free agent who signed with New Orleans in the offseason.

"Anytime you lose a player who is one of your core guys, it changes how you play a little bit," Allen said.

But maybe this Celtics team will be better. Last year was the first year Allen, Garnett and Pierce played together.

"You never do come back the same team," Allen said. "We're not guessing what plays we're running any more. The coaching staff pretty much knows our personalities a lot more than last year. Everyone kind of just is following their roles now. It's not a matter of trying to figure out what we can do any more."

Boston coach Doc Rivers welcomes the repeat talk.

"I don't mind talking about repeat as long as we're talking about moving forward," Rivers said. "I don't like looking at last year and looking back. I'm actually looking forward to ring night at our first game. We'll get our rings and then that's it. I don't want to talk about last year. I want to talk about this year."

Rivers also believes this Celtics team is different than a year ago, but maybe off the court more than on.

"I think this team is much closer," Rivers said.

It was evident last night. It was only a preseason game, but the Celtics players on the bench were on their feet throughout the game, cheering on teammates. Even when Garnett, Pierce and Allen weren't in the game, they were on their feet for every good play from the Celtics' reserves.

"Last year, we had nine new guys out of 15," Rivers said. "Our biggest goal last year was to win the title. Our other goal was to get them to play as one. It's just a close-knit group."

Forward Leon Powe had a big game off the bench for Boston with 17 points.

Guard Daniel Gibson led Cleveland with 14 points. Jawad Williams added 13 off the bench.

Ben Roethlisberger watched the game from courtside.

"We were asking each other why Pittsburgh doesn't have an NBA team," Allen said. "Pittsburgh seems like a viable city. At the same time, you have three sports here already. Maybe the pulse of the city is taken by hockey and football."