CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Cavaliers, led by Jarrett Allen’s 25 points and 14 rebounds and Donovan Mitchell’s 22 points and career-high 13 assists, secured a 127-119 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night. This win comes as a much-needed boost for the Cavaliers, who had been on a three-game losing streak and are facing a significant period without key players Evan Mobley and Darius Garland.
The Cavaliers showcased resilience and adaptability, overcoming the absence of Mobley and Garland, who are expected to be sidelined until February. Mobley, averaging 16.0 points and 10.5 rebounds, is scheduled for knee surgery, while Garland is set to undergo a procedure for his broken jaw, sustained in a recent collision.
Allen, emphasizing the team’s “next-man-up mentality,” delivered a career-high quarter with 17 points in the first, capitalizing on the absence of Hawks’ center Clint Capela. Mitchell, stepping up as the point guard, facilitated the game with a keen sense of playmaking, earning praise from both his teammates and coach J.B. Bickerstaff for his ability to involve teammates and maintain his scoring prowess.
The Cavaliers’ offense was firing on all cylinders, scoring a season-high 41 points in the first quarter. Isaac Okoro, with 18 points, and Dean Wade, adding 16 points, stepped into the starting lineup and made significant contributions. Caris LeVert also played a key role off the bench with 14 points.
On the other side, Trae Young led the Hawks with an impressive 35 points and 10 assists, but it wasn’t enough to counter Cleveland’s intensity. Dejounte Murray contributed 21 points, and De’Andre Hunter, returning from a knee discomfort, added 18 points.
Despite the Hawks narrowing the gap to 96-90 early in the fourth quarter, Mitchell’s consecutive three-pointers extended the Cavaliers’ lead, underlining their control over the game. Young acknowledged the Hawks’ struggle, pointing to a lack of consistent effort and energy as key factors in their defeat.
The Hawks also missed the services of Bogdan Bogdanovic, sidelined due to a sprained right ankle, adding to their challenges.
UP NEXT
The Hawks look to rebound as they host the Detroit Pistons on Monday night, hoping to break their recent slump. The Cavaliers, gaining momentum from this win, will host the Houston Rockets, also on Monday night, aiming to continue their resurgence despite their roster challenges.
