Imagine a basketball game where a team missing its superstar and several key players still manages to push their opponents to the brink. That's exactly what happened when the Cleveland Cavaliers outlasted the short-handed Denver Nuggets 113-108 in a thrilling matchup on Friday night. But here's where it gets even more intriguing: Donovan Mitchell, the Cavaliers' star guard, led the charge with a stunning 33 points, proving once again why he's a force to be reckoned with on the court.
In a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Cavaliers' Darius Garland contributed 18 points and eight assists, while De’Andre Hunter added 16 points. Jarrett Allen, meanwhile, showcased his versatility with eight points and 12 rebounds. The turning point? With just 4:43 left on the clock and trailing 105-101, the Cavaliers unleashed a 10-0 scoring run, capped by Garland’s clutch 3-pointer with 2:13 remaining, sealing their victory.
Now, let’s talk about the Nuggets. Despite being without their three-time MVP center Nikola Jokic, who’s sidelined for at least a month with a hyperextended left knee, Jamal Murray stepped up in a big way. Murray scored an impressive 34 points, with 28 of those coming in the first half alone. Peyton Watson and Tim Hardaway Jr. also made their presence felt with 21 and 15 points, respectively. However, the Nuggets' fourth-quarter struggles were evident as they were outscored 24-11, with Hardaway Jr. missing eight of his nine shots in the final frame.
But here's the part most people miss: The Cavaliers dominated the rebounding battle 55-32, a statistic that underscores their physical presence and determination. Evan Mobley, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, contributed eight points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks, though he struggled at the free-throw line, missing all five attempts. This game also marked just the seventh time this season that Mitchell, Garland, Mobley, and Allen started together, and they improved their record to 5-2 in those games.
The Nuggets' injury woes didn’t stop at Jokic. Forwards Aaron Gordon and Cam Johnson, along with guard Christian Braun, were all inactive due to various injuries. Backup center Jonas Valanciunas is also out for a month with a right calf strain. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers welcomed back Lonzo Ball, who scored six points in 15 minutes after being out of the rotation for three games. Craig Porter Jr., who had taken Ball’s spot, impressed with 10 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
And this is where it gets controversial: With the Cavaliers now 13-8 at home after playing an NBA-high 21 home games, questions arise about their ability to maintain this momentum on the road. Can they replicate this success away from Rocket Arena? As for the Nuggets, they’ll look to bounce back when they visit Brooklyn on Sunday, while the Cavaliers host Detroit. But the bigger question remains: How will the Nuggets fare without Jokic and their other injured starters for the foreseeable future? And can the Cavaliers sustain their winning ways with their star-studded lineup finally healthy and firing on all cylinders?
What do you think? Can the Cavaliers keep up this pace, or will injuries and scheduling catch up to them? And how will the Nuggets adjust without their key players? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
