CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers extended their remarkable run in overtime games, securing their 11th consecutive victory in extra periods by outlasting the Houston Rockets 135-130 on Monday night. Donovan Mitchell led the way with 37 points, while Sam Merrill emerged off the bench with a career-high 19 points, playing a pivotal role in the win.
Cleveland’s performance in overtime was crucial, outscoring Houston 13-8, which tied them for the second-longest OT winning streak in NBA history. The New Orleans franchise holds the record with 13 consecutive overtime victories from 2006-08. Mitchell praised Merrill’s contribution, acknowledging his hard work and seizing the opportunity when it mattered most.
The game was tightly contested, with Rockets’ Alperin Sengun tying the score with a free throw in the closing seconds of regulation. Caris LeVert missed a potential game-winner for the Cavaliers, and Sengun’s fadeaway at the buzzer narrowly missed, sending the game into overtime.
For the Rockets, Fred VanVleet had a standout performance with season-highs of 27 points and 17 assists, along with eight rebounds. Sengun himself added 24 points, contributing significantly despite acknowledging the team’s defensive shortcomings. The Rockets’ road struggles continued, with their record dropping to 2-10 away from home.
The Cavaliers had to navigate this game without starting power forward Evan Mobley and former All-Star point guard Darius Garland, both sidelined until February due to injuries. Despite these absences, the team has shown resilience and adaptability, with Mitchell highlighting the ‘by committee’ approach in their absence.
Max Strus scored 17 points, and LeVert added 12 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Merrill’s performance, including 5 of 10 from the 3-point line, was a significant factor in the Cavaliers’ success. He expressed gratitude for the trust shown by Coach J.B. Bickerstaff and acknowledged the team’s impressive overtime record.
On the Rockets’ side, VanVleet, in his first season with Houston, is averaging career-highs in assists and minutes. The first half saw a tightly contested game with multiple lead changes and ties.
An interesting subplot was the presence of Dillon Brooks, who scored 16 points in his first game back in Cleveland since a notable incident involving Mitchell when Brooks was with the Memphis Grizzlies.
The third quarter was particularly intense with a high number of fouls and free throws, leading to Cleveland scoring a season-high 42 points in the period and taking a slim lead into the fourth quarter.
Looking ahead, the Rockets will host Atlanta on Wednesday night, while the Cavaliers continue their homestand against Utah.
