Donovan Mitchell’s 26-point performance steered the Cleveland Cavaliers to a decisive 114-90 victory over the Washington Wizards during Friday night’s NBA action. This win marks the Cavaliers’ second commanding triumph over the Wizards in three days, following a 140-101 rout earlier in the week.
Mitchell was crucial in ensuring the Cavaliers maintained their momentum, particularly with a 12-point surge in the third quarter. Mitchell commended the team’s consistent play.
“We handled our business,” Mitchell said. “We just played steady basketball throughout. The biggest thing is taking care of these games and continuing to move forward. It’s expected of us.”
Jarrett Allen, Cleveland’s center, continued his impressive form with his sixth consecutive double-double, contributing 12 points and 12 rebounds. Over his last six games, Allen has averaged 19.6 points, 15.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists, earning high praise from Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
“I’m hard-pressed to find a big guy who is playing better than Jarrett Allen,” Bickerstaff said. “We all need to take a serious look at his All-Star accolades because I don’t know many big guys, if any, that are playing better.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers, Washington Wizards Updates
Caris LeVert set a season-high with 10 assists, while Georges Niang added 14 points for the Cavaliers. Leading the Wizards was Tyus Jones, who had 16 points. The Wizards, who have struggled defensively this season, couldn’t contain the Cavaliers’ offensive prowess.
Despite the absence of key players Darius Garland and Evan Mobley due to injuries, Cleveland has adapted well, emphasizing ball movement and cutting to maintain an impressive 7-3 record without their stars. Allen praised how the team handled this adversity.
“I don’t think it’s the numbers people were expecting, that’s the honest truth,” Allen said. “You see two All-Stars go down, and you think, oh, things could spiral out of control. We held our own, and we are still a team capable of great things.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers, Washington Wizards Updates
The Wizards, facing challenges both at home and on the road, were hoping for a better performance after a previous lopsided loss to the Cavaliers, where they were significantly outrebounded. Coach Wes Unseld Jr. saw some improvement, particularly in the first half, but the team struggled to keep pace with Cleveland.
“I felt we took more pride in what we were trying to do across the board,” Unseld said. “It was much better. Defensively, particularly in the first half, I thought we were really good.”
In the third quarter, the Cavaliers expanded their lead to 25 points, with Dean Wade and Mitchell hitting back-to-back 3-pointers, ultimately outscoring the Wizards 32-19. Mitchell’s early scoring and playmaking helped the Cavaliers establish a 14-point lead in the first quarter.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers, Washington Wizards Updates
Although the Wizards briefly narrowed the gap with an 11-0 run, they were still trailing by 12 at halftime. Mitchell highlighted that the Cavaliers’ team effort was a key factor in their victory.
“It’s one through 15,” Mitchell said. “It’s not just one person. When you got guys that know the game, moving the ball, moving around, being able to execute it makes life easier.”
Looking ahead, the Wizards will host the New York Knicks, while the Cavaliers are set to face the San Antonio Spurs.
