Between December 2 and the 11th, the Cleveland Cavaliers engaged in a series of four compelling matchups against the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Miami Heat, and the Orlando Magic once more. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, the Cavs emerged victorious in three of the four contests, fostering a tangible growth in team chemistry and confidence. Let's delve into the breakdown of each game.
Sat, December 2 @ Detroit
Max Strus and Darius Garland each notched 22 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers dealt the Detroit Pistons their 17th consecutive loss, securing a 110-101 victory on Saturday. The Pistons, now 2-18, are enduring their longest losing streak in a single season in franchise history, second only to a 21-game slide in 1979-80 and 1980-81. They haven't tasted victory since October 28 against Chicago and hold a dismal 4-41 record since last season's trade deadline. Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell contributed 20 points, and Jarrett Allen recorded 19 points and 11 rebounds. However, special recognition went to reserve Isaac Okoro, who tallied nine points, seven rebounds, four steals, and four assists in 33:01 off the bench, earning praise from Strus and Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
In the second half, Detroit initiated a 10-0 run to grab a 58-54 lead, extending it to eight points. Yet, Cleveland responded with an 11-0 run, seizing an 81-77 lead with 1:13 remaining in the quarter. Despite being outscored 34-31 in the period, Allen's layup with 2.1 seconds left gave Cleveland an 85-82 advantage heading into the fourth quarter. The Cavs quickly built a 10-point lead, and although Detroit narrowed the gap to 96-92, Garland's score and Mitchell's clutch basket secured the 104-97 lead. Jalen Duren's missed free throws and Allen's timely tip sealed the deal, with the final score settling at 110-101.
Isaac Okoro's impactful performance is highlighted by a significant plus/minus of +15. He attributed the team's success to attention to detail: "Dive on the ground, getting loose balls, the offensive rebounds, just doing the little things. Continue to stay in the game and ultimately win the game."
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Wed, December 6 vs Orlando
Despite Paolo Banchero's impressive career-high of 42 points, the Orlando Magic couldn't secure a victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers, led by Donovan Mitchell's 35-point performance and Darius Garland's 26 points. Banchero showcased his best pro game on Wednesday night, contributing significantly to the Magic's efforts in a 121-111 loss.
While the Cavaliers have displayed inconsistency in their recent 8-3 record over the last 11 games, they faced criticism at home after blowing a late lead to Portland. Eager to rebound, Cleveland responded emphatically, with Max Strus expressing the win's significance, stating, “It was a step in the right direction for us. We kind of grew up a little, figured it out, and came together as a team.”
Despite falling behind by 23 points in the first half, the Magic struggled from beyond the arc, going just 2 of 23 on 3-pointers, narrowly maintaining their streak of making at least one trey in 1,314 consecutive games since 2007. The Magic mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter, closing the gap to 106-98 with a 12-2 run. However, Mitchell's timely assist to Niang for a 3-pointer and Garland's turnover-free layup helped the Cavaliers secure the win.
Max Strus and Donovan Mitchell set the tone early with six three-pointers in the first quarter, establishing a lead they maintained throughout the game. Mitchell's impressive stat line included 35 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, while Strus contributed 17 points, six assists, and five rebounds.
For Darius Garland, the game marked a return to form, recording 26 points and nine assists without a single turnover. Garland, who has struggled with ball security this season, showcased one of his most complete performances. Additionally, Niang, who faced early-season shooting challenges, demonstrated improvement, hitting two critical three-pointers to thwart a potential Magic comeback.
With an 8-2 record in their last ten games, the Cavaliers are making strides up the standings, leaving behind the memory of last week's loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. If Cleveland maintains this level of play, their recent success will overshadow past setbacks.
Fri, December 8 @ Miami
In a slow start on South Beach, the Cavaliers found their rhythm with a pivotal 15-0 run in the second quarter and another at the beginning of the third, securing a 111-99 victory at Kaseya Center on Friday night. Donovan Mitchell showcased his dominance with 27 points and a career-high 13 rebounds, leading the Cavaliers to their ninth win in the last 11 outings.
Despite a sluggish 17-point first quarter, Cleveland exploded for 71 points in the final two quarters, establishing a double-digit lead early in the second half and maintaining control throughout the rest of the game. Now surpassing the 20-point mark in his last five outings, Mitchell shot efficiently at 9-of-17 from the field, including 3-of-8 from beyond the arc and 6-of-8 from the free-throw line.
The Cavaliers, tying a season-high with 13 steals, were led defensively by Darius Garland, who contributed four steals along with 18 points and six assists. Dean Wade, starting in place of the absent Evan Mobley, made a defensive impact, finishing with five points, six boards, and three steals, leading both teams with a +23 in 25 minutes.
With the road victory, Cleveland improved their impressive road record to 7-3, the best in the Eastern Conference. In addition to Mitchell's standout performance, Darius Garland overcame early foul trouble to contribute 18 points.
Georges Niang tallied 13 points, and Max Strus added 11 in his first road game against his former team. The Cavaliers now hold a 7-3 road record, tied for the best in the NBA alongside Oklahoma City and Minnesota. The team boasts a 13-3 record when holding opponents under 120 points, contrasting with a 0-6 record when opponents breach the 120-point mark.
Josh Richardson and Kyle Lowry each scored 17 points for the Heat, who have struggled with five losses in their last seven games. Despite Miami's 15 consecutive points early in the game, the Cavaliers countered with two 15-0 stretches later on. Mitchell's pivotal contribution at the end of the first half and the third quarter's opening secured the victory.
Miami was without key players Bam Adebayo (hip), Haywood Highsmith (back), and Tyler Herro (ankle), while Cleveland played without Evan Mobley, held out due to left knee soreness. The final score settled at 111-99 in favor of the Cavaliers.
Mon, Dec 11 @ Orlando
The Cavaliers extended their stay in Florida, facing the Magic for the second time in a week. However, Orlando utilized a late third-quarter surge to distance themselves from the Cavaliers, ending Cleveland's three-game winning streak with a 104-94 decision on Monday night in Orlando. Despite a cold shooting night, the Cavaliers managed to trim the Magic's 18-point fourth-quarter lead to just five before succumbing in the final moments. Darius Garland led the scoring with 36 points, but Orlando evened the season series.
Monday's matchup remained tight until Orlando executed a 17-4 push late in the third period, creating a gap. The Wine & Gold held a slim lead at halftime, 54-51, and maintained a one-point advantage with 6:35 remaining in the third quarter. The game featured ten ties and a dozen lead changes, marked by 28 turnovers and 58 free throws. Despite Orlando's 27 percent shooting from long-range and Cleveland's 23 percent on the night, the Magic secured the victory.
Paolo Banchero contributed 20 points and ten rebounds for Orlando, while Franz Wagner added 19 points. The Cavaliers struggled in the third quarter, making only two of 17 shots, resulting in a season-low scoring total. Goga Bitadze scored 15 points for the Magic, who have won 11 of their last 13 games.
Darius Garland's 36-point effort for the Cavaliers wasn't enough to overcome a dismal third quarter. Donovan Mitchell added 22 points, and despite winning four straight on the road, Cleveland's scoring total hit a season-low. Only three Cavaliers scored in double figures, with Garland leading the way. Max Strus had a challenging night, going 1-of-9 from the floor, while Jarrett Allen fouled out with four points and seven boards in just over 15 minutes of play.
In the absence of Evan Mobley for the second consecutive game due to a sore left knee, Jarrett Allen faced foul trouble early in the second half, leaving the Cavaliers shorthanded in the frontcourt. Orlando's Banchero, Wagner, and Bitadze capitalized on the situation, spearheading a 12-0 run late in the period, resulting in a 76-65 lead for the Magic. By the time Allen fouled out in the fourth quarter, the Cavaliers trailed 89-71.
Garland and Mitchell staged a comeback in the final quarter, but the closest they could get was 99-94 on a steal and layup by Mitchell with 1:36 left. The Cavaliers ultimately fell short, losing 94-104.
Up Next
The Cavaliers have a back-to-back series against the Celtics, followed by home games against Atlanta, Houston, and Utah.
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