Cleveland slips late, surrenders opener to Knicks despite Mitchell’s 31
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The Cleveland Cavaliers battled to the final minutes but dropped their season opener 119-111 to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on opening night.
Mitchell ignites third-quarter rally
Shooting guard Donovan Mitchell poured in 31 points, erupting for 21 in the third quarter to briefly give Cleveland the lead. He left the floor momentarily after tweaking his leg yet returned with less than two minutes remaining.
Mobley’s all-around showing
Third-year forward Evan Mobley delivered 22 points on 8-for-17 shooting, including 4-of-7 from three-point range, and secured eight rebounds. His scoring came on post moves, face-ups and pull-up jumpers.
Short-handed backcourt
The Cavaliers played without guards Darius Garland, DeAndre Hunter and Max Strus. In their absence, Sam Merrill started and hit five three-pointers for 19 points. Lonzo Ball finished 1-for-7 from the field with four turnovers and six assists, while rookie Tyrese Proctor logged 16 minutes and showed brief flashes.
Cleveland stayed close by moving the ball and defending but faded down the stretch as New York closed out the final minutes.
Source: Hoops Wire
