DENVER — The Cleveland Cavaliers made history on Friday night, defeating the Denver Nuggets 149-135, setting the franchise record for points scored in a non-overtime game. This victory marked the Cavaliers’ sixth consecutive win, eleving their season record to 27-4, still the best in the NBA.
The evening was marked by remarkable shooting, particularly from beyond the arc. The Cavaliers showcased their sharpshooting skills, hitting 23 of 48 three-point attempts, which translates to 47.9%. Leading the charge was Donovan Mitchell, who poured in 33 points, with contributions from teammates Evan Mobley and Darius Garland, who added 26 and 25 points, respectively. Jarrett Allen also had a significant impact, scoring 22 points and providing 10 rebounds.
Mitchell’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. He began the game with aggressive plays, maintaining his rhythm and scoring effectively from all areas on the court. His shooting prowess was complemented by Mobley, who, after starting slower, exploded with 19 points during the second half, highlighting his growing significance within the Cavaliers' offensive scheme.
“They’re a great team. They do this every night,” said Nuggets head coach Michael Malone after the game, praising the Cavaliers' offense. He acknowledged the consistency and skill required to contain such offensive talent, stating, “149 points and 23 made threes is obviously not going to cut it.”
The Nuggets also had standout performers, particularly Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, who each scored 27 points. Jokic not only contributed points but also recorded 14 rebounds and 13 assists, achieving his league-leading 12th triple-double of the season. Despite their impressive statistics, the Nuggets were unable to keep pace with the Cavaliers’ relentless scoring.
Denver's defense was under scrutiny throughout the game. The Nuggets struggled to guard the perimeter effectively, allowing the Cavaliers open looks and easy baskets. Malone noted the discrepancy between the teams’ three-point shooting capabilities, pointing out, “They have seven guys shooting over 40% from three. We have two.” This shortfall contributed to the Nuggets' struggle to mount any serious challenge to the Cavaliers’ commanding lead.
The Cavaliers benefitted from Denver's defensive lapses, particularly during significant runs. At one point, Cleveland soared to as much as a 21-point lead thanks to explosive offensive sequences, including a 16-0 run sparked by Garland. This allowed them to control the game and prevent any meaningful comeback from the Nuggets.
The loss for the Nuggets dropped their record to 16-13, showcasing continued struggles, especially at home where they now stand at 8-5 for the season. Head coach Malone expressed frustration over the need for improvement, particularly defensively, stating, “Overall this season, our defense is not where it needs to be.”
Adding to the challenges, the Nuggets were without Aaron Gordon, who is sidelined with a calf strain. His absence was particularly felt as the team struggled to manage the Cavaliers’ potent frontcourt. Malone expressed concern over the vague timeline for Gordon’s return, hoping for less time off than during his previous stint with injury earlier this season.
The Cavaliers have proven to be one of the toughest competitors, especially against Western Conference teams. They have yet to lose to such opponents this season, and their back-to-back victories against Denver reinforce their dominance within the league. “We control the narrative,” Mitchell asserted postgame, emphasizing the Cavaliers’ confidence.
Now, as they continue their road trip, they will face off against the Golden State Warriors next. Both teams will be searching for victories, but the Cavaliers are riding high on their confidence and performance.
For the Nuggets, the challenge remains to tighten their defensive strategies and regain their winning form. Their upcoming game against the Detroit Pistons will be pivotal as they seek to reclaim momentum and improve their standing.
