Evan Mobley led the way with 21 points, Caris LeVert added 19, and the Cleveland Cavaliers cruised to a commanding 130-101 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night.
The Cavaliers (23-4) continued their impressive stretch of play, winning their second straight and sixth game in their last seven outings. Donovan Mitchell added 18 points and five assists in another balanced offensive effort for Cleveland, while Georges Niang contributed a strong performance off the bench with 17 points and nine rebounds.
For the Nets (10-16), it was another rough night. Cameron Johnson paced Brooklyn with 22 points and five assists, while Day’Ron Sharpe finished with 15 points and seven rebounds. Despite their early momentum, the Nets dropped their third consecutive game and sixth in their last seven contests.
Brooklyn came out of the gates strong, scoring the game’s first seven points. But that spark was extinguished almost immediately. Cleveland responded with a monstrous 32-5 run to close out the first quarter, turning a promising start for the Nets into a 20-point deficit after 12 minutes of play. The Cavaliers never looked back, dominating the game on both ends of the floor.
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Cleveland showcased why it sits atop the NBA rankings in both field-goal percentage (50.3%) and 3-point field-goal percentage (39.9%). The Cavaliers were razor-sharp all night, shooting 53.1% from the field and tallying an impressive 33 assists on 43 made baskets. Their ball movement was relentless, leaving Brooklyn scrambling defensively as they created open shots all over the court.
On the flip side, Brooklyn’s offense never found its rhythm. The Nets, playing their first game since trading point guard Dennis Schroder, struggled mightily in the first half, scoring just 40 points — a season low. They managed to bounce back slightly in the third quarter with 37 points, nearly matching their entire first-half output, but by then, the deficit was insurmountable.
The key stat of the night? Cleveland’s explosive offense has now scored at least 130 points in seven games this season, already a single-season franchise record. That firepower, combined with elite efficiency, has made them one of the most dangerous teams in the league.
Kenny Atkinson Return
Another storyline coming into this matchup was Kenny Atkinson’s return to Brooklyn as head coach of the Cavaliers. Atkinson, who led the Nets for four seasons, orchestrated an efficient and dominant game plan against his former team, adding another layer to Cleveland’s emphatic victory.
While Evan Mobley spearheaded the scoring with his versatile offensive game, Caris LeVert provided a consistent second option. LeVert’s ability to score in transition and hit tough shots kept the pressure on Brooklyn’s defense all night. Donovan Mitchell, though quieter than usual, orchestrated the offense with his playmaking and floor leadership.
Georges Niang’s performance off the bench also deserves mention. His nine rebounds were critical in limiting second-chance opportunities for Brooklyn, while his 17 points added another scoring punch to Cleveland’s deep rotation.
Brooklyn will need to regroup quickly, particularly on offense. Without Dennis Schroder to run the point, the Nets lacked cohesion, shooting just 42% from the field and struggling to create high-quality looks. Cameron Johnson delivered a solid outing, but it wasn’t nearly enough to overcome Cleveland’s onslaught.
Up next, the Cavaliers will face a tough test as they host the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday. Meanwhile, the Nets look to end their skid when they travel to Toronto for a matchup against the Raptors on Thursday.
For Cleveland, this victory reaffirmed their place among the league’s elite. Their offensive efficiency, combined with a deep, versatile roster, has made them a nightmare for opposing defenses. For Brooklyn, it’s back to the drawing board as they continue to search for answers in a challenging stretch.