SAN ANTONIO — The Cleveland Cavaliers showcased their dominance with a commanding 117-99 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night, extending their winning streak to five games and marking their 13th win in the last 14 outings. Donovan Mitchell led the charge with 31 points, while Evan Mobley contributed a double-double with 28 points and 10 rebounds, further cementing Cleveland’s position as one of the top teams in the league.
Jarrett Allen also made a significant impact with 26 points and 16 rebounds, demonstrating the Cavaliers’ strength in the paint. Mitchell rounded off his performance with eight rebounds and seven assists, highlighting his all-around game. However, the game wasn’t without its drama, as both Mitchell and San Antonio’s Zach Collins were ejected in the closing seconds after a heated exchange following a hard screen by Collins.
The Spurs, struggling at the bottom of the Western Conference with a 10-40 record, couldn’t keep pace with the surging Cavaliers. Rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama led San Antonio with 19 points and 14 rebounds, showcasing his potential despite the team’s ongoing struggles. Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson also added 22 and 17 points, respectively, but it wasn’t enough to challenge Cleveland’s dominance.
San Antonio appeared fatigued, playing their fourth game in six nights and coming off a back-to-back schedule. Their only lead of the game was a brief 11-10 advantage in the first quarter, but Cleveland quickly took control, leading by double digits through much of the game. The Cavaliers’ aggressive play in the paint was a key factor, with 36 of their points coming from inside in the first half alone.
The Cavaliers’ size and skill were on full display, with Mobley and Allen dominating the frontcourt and Mitchell’s sharpshooting providing a constant threat from the perimeter. The Spurs’ young talent, including Wembanyama, showed flashes of brilliance, but the team’s overall performance couldn’t match Cleveland’s intensity and execution.
As the Spurs look ahead to a challenging nine-game road trip starting in Miami, they’ll aim to regroup and find ways to build on the promising performances from their young core. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers continue to solidify their status as contenders, with their next test coming at home against Sacramento.
This victory in San Antonio not only underscores Cleveland’s current form but also sets the stage for their continued pursuit of excellence as the season progresses.
