Jarrett Allen’s double-double of 25 points and 14 rebounds, combined with Donovan Mitchell’s 22 points and NBA career-best 13 assists, propelled the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 127-119 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday.
This win snapped Cleveland’s three-game losing streak and came in the wake of news that Evan Mobley and Darius Garland will be sidelined until February. Allen excelled, especially in the first quarter, scoring 17 points without missing a shot, capitalizing on Clint Capela’s absence due to knee soreness.
“I knew that our team could do it because we have the next-man up mentality,” Allen said. “It was different with Donovan at point guard. He definitely facilitated tonight, and I think he took pride in it.”
Isaac Okoro stepped up with 18 points, and Dean Wade added 16 as they filled starting roles for the Cavaliers, who posted a season-high 41 points in the first quarter. Caris LeVert contributed 14 points from the bench.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks Updates
Mitchell emphasized the team’s collective effort, dedicating their upcoming run to the injured Mobley and Garland. Mobley is set for knee surgery, and Garland will undergo a procedure for his broken jaw, sustained in a collision with Boston’s Kristaps Porzingis.
“We’ve got to do it as a group,” Mitchell said. “We lost two of our dogs. This run we’re about to go on, it’s for them. We’re doing it together as a group.”
Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff praised Mitchell for his role in involving teammates, highlighting his scoring capabilities.
“Donovan got his teammates involved early, and we’re going to need that,” Bickerstaff said. “He’s going to have to pick his spots, but he’s an elite scorer for a reason.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks Updates
For Atlanta, Trae Young led with 35 points and 10 assists, while Dejounte Murray and De’Andre Hunter, returning from a knee issue, scored 21 and 18 points, respectively. Despite a rally led by Young, the Hawks, who have lost six of their last seven games, couldn’t overcome the early deficit. Atlanta’s Bogdan Bogdanovic missed his first game of the season due to an ankle injury.
“We dug ourselves too much of a hole,” Young said. “It’s more about effort and energy, and sometimes about giving a crap. That’s what got us back in the game. You can’t win in this league only playing one quarter or three (well), you have to do all four.”
Next up, the Hawks host the Detroit Pistons, and the Cavaliers welcome the Houston Rockets, both games scheduled for Monday night.
