Cleveland secured a solid 126-114 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night, led by Donovan Mitchell’s impressive 28 points and Darius Garland’s 24. This triumph marks the Cavaliers’ strong home record of 13-1 this season, highlighting their dominance at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
The Cavs showcased their shooting prowess, making a season-best 22 three-pointers and extending their remarkable streak of at least 10 three-pointers in a game to 28 consecutive matches dating back to last season. This outstanding performance allowed Cleveland to outscore Denver by a significant margin of 66-18 from beyond the arc.
Nikola Jokic posted a remarkable triple-double for the Nuggets, with 27 points, 20 rebounds, and 11 assists, bringing his career total to 139 – surpassing Hall of Famer Magic Johnson. Jokic now trails only Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook on the all-time triple-double leaderboard. Despite his extraordinary performance, the Nuggets struggled defensively against the Cavaliers’ perimeter shooting, giving up nine three-pointers in the first quarter alone.
Caris LeVert was a key contributor off the bench for Cleveland, scoring 21 points, while Evan Mobley added 20 points to the effort. Jarrett Allen also made his mark on the game with 15 rebounds. The Nuggets’ efforts were bolstered by Michael Porter Jr., who scored 24 points, and Jamal Murray, who contributed 19.
A pivotal moment in the game came when the Nuggets were within nine points in the final three minutes. However, Mitchell and LeVert hit back-to-back crucial three-pointers, dashing Denver’s comeback hopes. Additionally, during the break between the third and fourth quarters, a lucky fan won $10,000 by sinking a half-court shot, adding a thrilling twist to the night.
As the season progresses, Jokic’s workload has been extensive, averaging a career-high 37.6 minutes per game. Coach Michael Malone emphasized the importance of balancing competitiveness with rest for the league MVP, as he aims to avoid overworking him.
Looking ahead, the Nuggets will face the struggling Wizards on Saturday, while the Cavaliers are gearing up for back-to-back weekend matchups against Charlotte and Miami. This victory not only boosts Cleveland’s morale but also sets the stage for an exciting continuation of the season.
In summary, the Cavaliers’ strong home performance and shooting accuracy exemplify their growth as a team, promising even more thrilling games in the future. With key players stepping up and the team’s offensive versatility on display, Cleveland fans have much to look forward to as the season unfolds.