WASHINGTON — Donovan Mitchell’s 40-point performance powered the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 114-106 win over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night, marking their 15th victory in 16 games. The Cavaliers’ latest triumph at the Capital One Arena extends their NBA-best winning streak to seven games, propelling them ahead of Milwaukee and New York to second place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Mitchell, who scored 14 points in the fourth quarter alone, was pivotal in overcoming the closely contested matchup that featured nine ties and 17 lead changes. The Cavaliers’ resilience was on full display as they managed to outperform the Wizards, despite the latter team being second-to-last in the East. Evan Mobley contributed significantly with 22 points on an efficient 9-of-10 shooting, alongside eight rebounds.
The Cavaliers faced challenges from a persistent Wizards team, led by Kyle Kuzma’s 28 points and Corey Kispert’s 23 points. Washington, which failed to secure a win during their four-game homestand under interim coach Brian Keefe, kept the game within reach by hitting 16 of their 40 attempts from the three-point line.
Despite these efforts, Cleveland’s defense, particularly against Wizards’ second-leading scorer Jordan Poole, was a deciding factor. Poole was held scoreless and eventually fouled out after playing a little over 24 minutes. Cleveland coach J.B. Bickerstaff praised his team’s defensive strategy against Poole, highlighting their ability to adapt and challenge the guard throughout the game.
The Cavaliers’ determination and team effort were evident as they navigated through the Wizards’ resistance, with the game remaining closely contested until the final minute. Mitchell’s crucial contributions in the fourth quarter, including a pivotal 3-pointer over Kuzma, secured Cleveland’s lead and ultimately the victory.
Looking ahead, the Cavaliers are set to face Brooklyn in their next matchup, while the Wizards will travel to Boston, hoping to bounce back from their recent setbacks. As the season progresses, Cleveland’s foundation and collective resolve continue to establish them as a formidable contender in the Eastern Conference.
