In a game that wasn’t exactly a masterpiece but still saw the Cleveland Cavaliers claim victory, Donovan Mitchell proved why he is one of the most dangerous players in the NBA when it matters most.
With the Cavaliers holding on to a slim lead in the final minutes against the Philadelphia 76ers, Mitchell took control, scoring 11 of his 23 points in the last three minutes of the game to seal a 114-106 win.
The Cavaliers’ win marked their 13th consecutive victory to start the season, a feat only five other teams in NBA history have managed to achieve. They are now the sixth team to start a campaign 13-0, joining an elite list that includes the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors, who famously went on to set the NBA record with 24 straight wins to open the season.
Mitchell wasn’t just a scorer, though. In addition to his scoring outburst, he grabbed 13 rebounds and dished out nine assists, showing his all-around game. His clutch shooting down the stretch was essential in the win, as he hit three key 3-pointers in the final minutes, extending Cleveland’s lead to seven and effectively snuffing out any chance of a comeback from the Sixers.
Darius Garland also continued to shine, adding 25 points of his own to help the Cavaliers maintain their undefeated streak. The duo of Mitchell and Garland has been a key part of Cleveland’s success this season, and their ability to close out tight games has made the Cavaliers one of the most formidable teams in the league.
Rounding out the strong performances for Cleveland was Evan Mobley, who finished with 14 points and seven rebounds. While Mobley wasn’t the focal point offensively, his presence on both ends of the floor remains vital for the Cavaliers’ success. His defensive prowess continues to be an anchor for the team, especially as they move deeper into the season.
On the other side, the 76ers were playing without two of their stars: Paul George and Joel Embiid, both of whom were sidelined for the second night of a back-to-back for maintenance on Embiid’s left knee. Despite the absence of their two key players, the Sixers were far from pushovers.
Jared McCain emerged as the surprise star for Philadelphia, dropping a career-high 34 points in the loss. McCain’s scoring was a bright spot for the 76ers, as he proved he can rise to the occasion even when the team is shorthanded. Kelly Oubre Jr. chipped in with 20 points, and Caleb Martin added 18, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Cleveland’s firepower.
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Despite not playing their best basketball, Cleveland showed resilience and enough firepower to hold off a scrappy young Sixers team that arguably played their best all-around game of the season. The Cavaliers are proving they can win in different ways, whether it’s Mitchell’s late-game heroics, Garland’s steady scoring, or Mobley’s defense.
For Philadelphia, the best news came before the game even started, as both Paul George and Joel Embiid were cleared to play on Friday night against the Orlando Magic. Head coach Nick Nurse confirmed that George’s minutes restriction would be lifted, providing a much-needed boost for the Sixers moving forward.
Key moments in the game included Mitchell’s three consecutive 3-pointers in the final moments, which not only padded Cleveland’s lead but seemed to deflate the 76ers’ hopes of a dramatic comeback. While Philadelphia showed grit, Cleveland’s late-game execution was just too much.
The Cavaliers’ 13-game win streak now ties the franchise record for consecutive wins, a mark set previously in 2009, 2010, and 2017 when LeBron James was on the roster. While this current Cavaliers team doesn’t have James, they are showing they can create their own legacy as one of the NBA’s most dominant teams in the early part of the season.
Looking ahead, Cleveland will look to extend its streak on Friday night when they host the Chicago Bulls at home. Meanwhile, the 76ers will look to bounce back from the loss when they take on the Orlando Magic on Friday, with both George and Embiid expected to be back in action.
As the season progresses, the Cavaliers continue to turn heads with their dynamic duo of Mitchell and Garland, and their defensive stalwart Mobley. While the road to maintaining their perfect start will get tougher, Cleveland is proving they have the tools to contend with the best of the NBA.
