Donovan Mitchell powered the Cleveland Cavaliers to a resounding 142-105 victory over the New York Knicks on Friday night. The All-Star guard scored 27 points as Cleveland overwhelmed one of the East’s top teams from the opening tip.
Evan Mobley added 21 points, and the Cavaliers (46-10) extended their winning streak to six games. Cleveland, which holds the NBA’s best record, has now won 34 games by double digits this season.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks (37-19) with 26 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 23. New York, playing on the second night of a back-to-back, suffered its worst loss of the season.
Cleveland set the tone early, jumping out to a 41-29 lead after the first quarter. By halftime, the Cavaliers had pushed the margin to 27 points, leaving no doubt about the outcome.
The Knicks had no answer for Cleveland’s balanced attack, with the Cavaliers shooting 60.9% from the field and 51.4% from three-point range. Cleveland also dominated the glass, out-rebounding New York 47-32.
Darius Garland gave the Cavaliers a scare in the first half when he hit his head on the floor after an awkward fall. However, the All-Star guard stayed in the game and finished with nine points and five assists.
Cleveland played most of the second half without Jarrett Allen, who injured his right hand. X-rays were negative, but he will undergo an MRI on Saturday, according to head coach Kenny Atkinson.
Max Strus, Isaac Okoro, and De’Andre Hunter provided key contributions, while Ty Jerome came off the bench to score 19 points. The Cavaliers’ depth continues to be a major strength as they push for the No. 1 seed.
New York was without Josh Hart, who missed his second straight game with a sore knee. The Knicks struggled defensively, allowing Cleveland to record 38 assists on 56 made field goals.
With the win, the Cavaliers maintain their grip on first place in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Knicks remain in third place but will need to regroup quickly after this lopsided defeat.
