Cavaliers outscore Nuggets 149-135

A Cavalanche led by Cavaliers stars helps put the Nuggets away.

The last time the Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets played on Dec. 5, the Cavaliers were able to have their way on offense, scoring in droves. Tonight, the Cavaliers put on a similar, if not better, showing. Cleveland scored 40 points in both the first and second quarters, showing a high-octane level of offense we have seen many times this season.

Donovan Mitchell came out early with offensive aggression and efficiency. Mitchell had 25 points at the half and finished the game with 33 on 10-17 shooting, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. He was deep in his bag against the Nuggets, showing his three-level scoring capabilities early and often. Mitchell, when he gets going, is almost impossible to slow down. The Nuggets are also a team that has no defensive options to shut off Mitchell’s water in situations like this.

This was an excellent reminder of the type of game Jarrett Allen can provide offensively. Allen had his usual showing off the roll, getting fed often and converting on his attempts. Allen, in his first matchup against the Nuggets, did little to impact the game offensively, mostly tasked with attempting to slow down Nikola Jokic.

The game plan felt like it was to get Allen involved and get aggressive from the opening tip. He finished the game with 22 points and 10 rebounds. He played a complete game while being tasked with guarding Jokic who alone requires all the attention a player can muster.

Evan Mobley started off the game slower than Mitchell, Garland, and Allen but proceeded to come alive in the second half. Mobley had seven points at the half on 3-6 shooting including being 0-1 from three. Then once the second half began, Mobley emerged from his slumber and proceeded to put on his most impressive offensive half in terms of his aggression and diversity of shot portfolio.

Mobley ended up scoring 19 points in the second half, finishing with 26 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 block. Games like this add to Mobley’s case for being an All-Star this season and show the growth he has undergone this season.

The Cavaliers offense has now played at the peak of its powers in both of their matchups against the Nuggets closing the season series undefeated at 2-0. It’s a good test for the Cavaliers to not only go toe-to-toe with a game-wrecker like Jokic but also keep his team at bay pretty handily in both matchups. While the Nuggets are not one of the elites of the Western Conference, it is still impressive to keep scoring at will in two contests on any team contending for a playoff spot.

Now as the Cavaliers continue their west coast trip, they turn to their matchup on Dec. 30 against the Golden State Warriors.