Cavaliers thrash Warriors 113-95
Cavs win their seventh straight game.
The Cleveland Cavaliers won their seventh straight game by double-digits as they took down the Golden State Warriors 113-95.
This was an ugly first half of basketball. Neither team had a rhythm as errant turnovers and frequent stoppages prevented everyone from having a good time. It wasn’t until Darius Garland — who was in a groove of his own from the jump — finally took control of this game to change the tides. Garland led a mini Cavalier run to end the first half, sending them to the locker room with some much-needed energy.
This burst of energy was carried over into the third quarter, with Donovan Mitchell opening the period with three consecutive three-pointers. Mitchell’s offensive onslaught was met with bone-crushing defense from the rest of the Cavaliers as they bolted to a 20-point lead in a flash. Cleveland drilled eight three-pointers in the third quarter after making just six in the entire first half.
Many Cavaliers deserve credit for this 28-4 start to the season but Garland and Mitchell’s constant control of the offense is paramount. The two dynamic guards make this team an offensive volcano that can erupt at any moment. Garland and Mitchell combined for 48 points and 12 assists with neither playing more than 30 minutes.
Jarrett Allen deserves his nod tonight, as well. He’s rarely called upon to carry a heavy load but Allen’s blue-collar mentality helps keep the Cavaliers afloat on nights when Evan Mobley isn’t as effective. Mobley began the game 0-4 but Allen picked up the slack, finishing with 12 points (6-9 shooting) and 9 rebounds in just 25 minutes.
Cleveland’s defense is just as important. They entered this game eighth in defensive dating and showed they can still turn up the temperature when it counts. This was just the sixth time this season the Warriors scored 95 or fewer points.
Dean Wade gets our last shout-out. He posted a double-double with 10 points and 13 big rebounds. His versatility on defense and shot-making in the starting lineup makes him the perfect connective two-way piece on a night like this.