Donovan Mitchell scored 28 points with eight assists as the Cleveland Cavaliers rallied past the San Antonio Spurs 130-117 on Friday night at Rocket Arena. Jaylon Tyson added 24 points, including 16 in the pivotal third quarter, powering a 23-4 run that flipped the game in Cleveland’s favor.
Evan Mobley recorded a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Dean Wade contributed 12 points and eight boards, helping the Cavaliers snap a two-game skid at home. Mobley and Wade each also dished out five assists, showcasing Cleveland’s balanced offense despite missing three starters.
The Spurs were led by Devin Vassell, who scored 25 of his 28 points in the first half, including seven three-pointers. De’Aaron Fox added 25 points and nine assists, and Keldon Johnson chipped in 14 points off the bench, but San Antonio couldn’t withstand Cleveland’s third-quarter surge.
Tyson’s 11 points during the 5 1/2-minute run fueled a 44-point third quarter for the Cavaliers, giving them a 108-91 lead heading into the fourth. Cleveland had trailed by 10 points for much of the first half, highlighting the magnitude of the turnaround.
The Spurs faced a depleted lineup, with Victor Wembanyama missing his 10th straight game due to left calf tightness and Stephon Castle sidelined for the ninth consecutive game with a hip issue. Luke Kornet also sat out after spraining his left ankle Thursday in Orlando.
Cleveland was without point guard Darius Garland, center Jarrett Allen, and small forward Sam Merrill, yet Mitchell and Tyson’s performances carried the team. The Cavaliers shot 58% from the field, including 31% from three, while converting 76% of free throws.
San Antonio shot 45% overall and 35% from deep, with 18 made three-pointers led by Vassell. Despite controlling the first half, the Spurs couldn’t maintain their momentum against Cleveland’s explosive third quarter.
The Cavaliers (14-10) host the Golden State Warriors on Saturday, aiming to build on the comeback win, while the Spurs (15-7) travel to New Orleans on Monday as part of their nine-city, 18-day road stretch.
