Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Darius Garland combined for 83 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers secured a 134-124 victory over the Washington Wizards on Friday night.
Mitchell led the way with 33 points, while Mobley added 27 and Garland contributed 23 to help Cleveland (42-10) maintain its lead atop the Eastern Conference.
The Cavaliers pulled away in the fourth quarter after a competitive first three periods, outscoring Washington 40-31 in the final frame.
Jarrett Allen recorded a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds as Cleveland won for the sixth time in its last seven games.
Jordan Poole delivered a standout performance for Washington (9-42), finishing with a career-high 45 points on 16-of-32 shooting.
The Wizards, aiming for a season-best fourth straight victory, kept the game close but struggled defensively in the closing minutes.
Richaun Holmes also posted a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds for Washington, which has now lost 12 consecutive games to Cleveland.
Despite Washington’s poor record, the Cavaliers had to fight through roster adjustments after trading Caris LeVert and Georges Niang to Atlanta in exchange for De’Andre Hunter. Hunter was unavailable as the deal was still being processed, leaving Cleveland slightly shorthanded.
Sam Merrill also missed the game for personal reasons, forcing the Cavaliers to rely more on their core trio for offensive production.
The Wizards recently agreed to send Kyle Kuzma to the Milwaukee Bucks in a trade for Khris Middleton and AJ Johnson, but neither new addition played in this game.
The Cavaliers shot 51.1% from the field and hit 16-of-38 from beyond the arc, led by five three-pointers each from Garland and Max Strus.
Cleveland also capitalized on free throws, converting 22-of-24 attempts, while the Wizards struggled at the line, making just 16-of-25.
The Cavaliers’ depth played a role in securing the win, with Ty Jerome contributing 13 points off the bench. Jaylon Tyson had an efficient outing, scoring seven points on 2-of-2 shooting in 20 minutes of action.
For Washington, Kyshawn George provided 17 points, including four three-pointers, but the team’s defense faltered late.
Cleveland out-rebounded Washington 46-40 and had 32 assists compared to the Wizards’ 25. Mobley was a force in the paint, adding seven rebounds and shooting 10-of-16 from the field.
