Donovan Mitchell scored 48 points, including 24 in the fourth quarter, to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 130–126 comeback victory over the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena.
Cleveland overcame a 15-point deficit in the final period despite shooting just 15 of 53 from beyond the arc, with Darius Garland going 0-for-11 from deep.
Mitchell hit a key three-pointer to tie the game at 122 and later scored inside with 60 seconds remaining to put the Cavaliers ahead for good.
A critical jump ball against Marvin Bagley III led to Lonzo Ball converting two free throws, giving Cleveland a decisive edge in the final minute.
Cleveland trailed 100–85 after three quarters as Washington held a 17-point lead, powered by CJ McCollum and Bub Carrington, who scored 27 points each. Jamir Watkins added a career-high 15 points for the Wizards, who could not withstand Mitchell’s fourth-quarter surge.
Mitchell’s late-game dominance was complemented by Garland, who finished with 18 points and six assists, and De’Andre Hunter with 15 points. The Cavaliers closed the game with a 45-point fourth quarter, turning a near-certain loss into a four-point victory.
Washington shot 49% overall and 36% from three, but key defensive lapses in the fourth allowed Cleveland to erase the deficit. Mitchell’s performance marked a return to form for the star guard, who has carried the team through multiple high-pressure situations this season.
The Cavaliers improve to 15–11 and will host Charlotte on Sunday, while the Wizards drop to 3–20 and face Indiana in their next matchup.
