The Cleveland Cavaliers continued their strong form with a convincing 114-90 victory over the Washington Wizards on Friday night. This win, coming on the heels of a massive 140-101 triumph in their previous matchup, solidifies the Cavaliers’ dominance over Washington.
Donovan Mitchell was at the forefront of Cleveland’s success, scoring 26 points, including 12 in the crucial third quarter, which helped the Cavs extend their lead and control the game. “We handled our business,” Mitchell said, reflecting on the team’s steady and focused approach throughout the match.
Jarrett Allen, continuing his impressive streak, secured his sixth consecutive double-double, finishing with 12 points and 12 rebounds. His recent performances have been a revelation for Cleveland, as he’s been averaging 19.6 points and 15.6 rebounds in his last six games. Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff didn’t hesitate to highlight Allen’s All-Star-worthy play.
Caris LeVert, with a season-high 10 assists, and Georges Niang, adding 14 points, also contributed significantly to the Cavaliers’ win.
For the Wizards, Tyus Jones led with 16 points, but the team struggled overall, especially on defense, allowing an NBA-worst 126.6 points. The Wizards’ woes continued as they registered a season low in points, dropping to a 6-28 record overall and 3-17 on the road.
The Cavaliers have admirably adjusted to the absence of point guard Darius Garland and forward Evan Mobley, both sidelined due to injuries. The team has focused on ball movement and cutting, with impressive results. Allen commented on the team’s resilience, stating, “You see two All-Stars go down and you think, oh, things could spiral out of control. But we held our own.”
The Wizards, despite showing some improvement in physicality and defense, particularly in the first half, couldn’t keep up with the Cavaliers’ pace. Cleveland’s third-quarter performance, outscoring Washington 32-19, was particularly decisive.
Wizards coach Wes Unseld Jr. acknowledged the team’s improved effort but admitted that they still fell short in many aspects of the game.
Looking ahead, the Wizards will face the New York Knicks next, while the Cavaliers prepare for a showdown with San Antonio and the much-talked-about rookie Victor Wembanyama.
This victory not only underscores the Cavaliers’ depth and adaptability in the face of key player absences but also raises expectations for their upcoming games, as they continue to build momentum in the season.
