The Cleveland Cavaliers pulled off a thrilling comeback, outscoring the Memphis Grizzlies 32-16 in the fourth quarter to secure a 108-100 victory on Saturday. The Cavaliers' star, Donovan Mitchell, ignited the rally with 14 points in the final quarter, finishing with 30 points overall. Evan Mobley contributed a double-double with 22 points and 13 rebounds, while Jarrett Allen and Sam Merrill added 16 and 13 points, respectively. The Grizzlies' Jaren Jackson Jr. led the team with 26 points, including a career-high 12 free throws made, but struggled from the field, shooting 6/23. Zach Edey made his season debut after a successful recovery from left ankle surgery, scoring 13 points and grabbing seven rebounds.
The game was a tale of two halves. Memphis built an 11-point lead in the first half, thanks to Jackson's 17 points and 10/11 free throw shooting. Santi Aldama also contributed 10 points and eight rebounds. However, the Cavaliers responded with a dominant fourth quarter, erasing the deficit and taking control of the game. The Cavaliers' bench players, including Mobley and Allen, played a crucial role in the comeback.
Unfortunately, the Cavaliers' point guard, Darius Garland, and swingman Jaylon Tyson missed their second consecutive game due to injuries sustained in the Miami game on November 10. Garland, a two-time All-Star, has only played in three games this season after offseason surgery on his left great toe. The team has not yet announced a timetable for his return.
The Grizzlies' star, Ja Morant, exited the game early with right calf soreness, after scoring seven points in six minutes. He had also missed the previous game in Boston due to a sore right ankle.
Looking ahead, the Grizzlies will face the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday, while the Cavaliers will host the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday.
