The Cleveland Cavaliers crushed the Washington Wizards 118-87 on Tuesday night, recording their largest margin of victory this season. Cleveland extended Washington’s losing streak to 15 games while improving its league-best record to 19-3.
Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley led the Cavaliers, scoring 19 points each, with Mobley adding 10 rebounds. Bench contributions were significant, with Sam Merrill and Georges Niang tallying 14 points apiece. Cleveland’s dominance was evident throughout the game.
The Cavaliers maintained control from start to finish, building a 20-point lead late in the second quarter. A 10-0 scoring run, spearheaded by Darius Garland, helped Cleveland solidify its grip on the game before halftime.
Garland contributed 12 points and three assists but left the game in the third quarter after a collision with Jonas Valanciunas.
Cleveland’s defensive efforts forced 20 turnovers while holding the Wizards to 38.6% shooting. The Cavaliers also showcased their depth, with 11 players scoring, including double-digit contributions from Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen.
For Washington, rookie Bub Carrington, Valanciunas, and Jordan Poole each scored 13 points. Valanciunas added 11 rebounds, while Carrington hit two three-pointers. The Wizards struggled offensively, converting just 15.4% of their three-point attempts and facing injuries to key players during the game.
Rookie Kyshawn George and Corey Kispert sustained sprained ankles within a two-minute span in the second quarter. Malcolm Brogdon exited in the third due to knee soreness, further depleting Washington’s roster.
Washington, now at 2-17, continues its challenging season. While the team showed glimpses of potential with performances from Carrington and Valanciunas, the ongoing injuries and poor shooting plagued their efforts.
