De’Andre Hunter delivered a season-best performance, scoring 32 points and hitting a crucial three-pointer in overtime as the Cleveland Cavaliers secured a 133-129 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday. The Cavaliers (50-10) extended their winning streak to 10 games and became the first team to reach 50 wins this season.
Cleveland trailed by 18 points in the third quarter before mounting a comeback to win for the 14th time in 15 games. The team played without Donovan Mitchell, who was given planned rest amid a demanding schedule.
Hunter, who joined the Cavaliers at the trade deadline, made his biggest shot since arriving in Cleveland, drilling a three-pointer with 30 seconds left in overtime to give his team the lead. He later sealed the win with two free throws after Portland’s Deni Avdija missed a potential game-tying three.
Ty Jerome stepped up in Mitchell’s absence, contributing 25 points off the bench, while Evan Mobley added 20 points and eight rebounds. The Cavaliers improved to 28-4 at home as they continued to assert their dominance atop the Eastern Conference.
Avdija had a standout performance for Portland (27-34), recording his first career triple-double with 30 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. Anfernee Simons scored 27 points, while Toumani Camara added 19. Despite a strong effort, the Trail Blazers were unable to close out the game in overtime.
Cleveland struggled early, managing just 18 points in the second quarter and falling behind by double digits at halftime. The Cavaliers responded with a 37-point third quarter and a 40-point fourth to force overtime. Hunter and Jerome carried the offense down the stretch, with Hunter’s late heroics proving decisive.
Darius Garland had a tough shooting night, finishing 4-of-16 from the field, but made a key defensive play in overtime, deflecting a long pass that could have led to an easy Blazers basket. Max Strus added 14 points, while Jarrett Allen posted 12 points and 10 rebounds.
