Jarrett Allen dominated the paint with a season-high 29 points, while Donovan Mitchell orchestrated the offense with a career-best 14 assists as the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the San Antonio Spurs 124-116 on Thursday night. The victory helped Cleveland bounce back after a 2-4 road trip, solidifying its position at the top of the Eastern Conference.
Allen was nearly perfect from the field, making 10 of 11 shots while also securing 16 rebounds. Mitchell added 25 points and eight boards, coming close to his first career triple-double as he controlled the tempo throughout the game.
Cleveland’s offense came alive in the fourth quarter, outscoring San Antonio 38-33 in the final frame. Allen’s crucial three-point play off a Mitchell assist gave the Cavaliers a 117-112 lead, and Darius Garland’s clutch three-pointer with 1:16 left sealed the win.
The Cavaliers were without All-Star forward Evan Mobley, who was given the night off for rest, and key reserve Ty Jerome, who remained sidelined with a sore left knee. Despite those absences, Cleveland got solid contributions from Max Strus, who had 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting, and De’Andre Hunter, who chipped in 14 points off the bench.
For the Spurs, rookie Stephon Castle and Devin Vassell each scored 22 points as San Antonio fought to stay in the Western Conference play-in race. Keldon Johnson contributed 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Julian Champagnie added 16 points.
San Antonio played without Victor Wembanyama, who recently underwent surgery for deep vein thrombosis in his shoulder.
The game remained competitive throughout, with San Antonio trailing by just two points midway through the fourth quarter. Mitchell, who had struggled with his three-point shot in recent games, made a key decision to pass up an open look late in the game, instead finding Allen inside for a high-percentage finish.
Cleveland shot 46.5% from the field and made 17 three-pointers on 48 attempts, while the Spurs finished at 40.6% overall and hit 14-of-43 from deep. The Cavaliers also controlled the rebounding battle 56-50 and capitalized on their free throws, shooting 83.3% from the line.
The Cavaliers (59-14) remain in firm control of the Eastern Conference standings, looking to lock up the No. 1 seed as the postseason approaches. Meanwhile, the Spurs (31-41) continue to battle for a play-in spot but face an uphill climb with Wembanyama sidelined.
