Darius Garland’s 26-point performance, coupled with an outstanding display from undrafted rookie Craig Porter Jr. with a career-high 21 points, propelled the Cleveland Cavaliers (7-6) to a convincing 121-109 victory over the reigning NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets (9-4), on Sunday night.
Cleveland’s Evan Mobley contributed 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Jarrett Allen added 15 points, guiding the Cavaliers to their season-high 26-point lead and securing their third consecutive win.
Despite Nuggets center Nikola Jokic’s efforts with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists in 28 minutes, foul trouble hindered his impact.
Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, averaging 29.2 points, was inactive due to a right hamstring strain, and sixth man Caris LeVert did not play due to a sore left knee.
Cleveland, seizing control early and never trailing in the final three quarters, dominated the boards with a 47-33 rebounding advantage over Denver.
Denver’s Michael Porter Jr. scored 21 points, and Christian Braun contributed 13 off the bench. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome the Cavaliers, marking Denver’s fourth consecutive road loss after winning their first two.
Nuggets shooting guard Jamal Murray, absent for the sixth straight game with a right hamstring strain, is traveling with the team, and his return during the trip remains a possibility, according to coach Michael Malone.
