The Cleveland Cavaliers picked up their first win of the 2025-26 NBA campaign, edging the Brooklyn Nets 131-124 on Friday night at Barclays Center.
Cleveland built a 25-point cushion in the third quarter before Brooklyn rallied to cut the deficit to single digits in the final period. The Cavaliers (1-1) closed the game at the free-throw line to hand the Nets (0-2) their second straight defeat.
Key performers
Donovan Mitchell led all scorers with 35 points on 10-of-15 shooting. Center Jarrett Allen contributed 22 points, hitting 8 of 11 attempts, while guard Sam Merrill added 22 points after opening 6-for-7 from three-point range.
Reserve guard Craig Porter Jr. supplied 14 points on 6-of-7 shooting, and forward Evan Mobley finished with 13 points and eight rebounds. Veteran Larry Nance Jr. scored nine points in 16 minutes off the bench.
Brooklyn was paced by Cam Thomas with 33 points, Michael Porter Jr. with 31, and Ziaire Williams with 25.
Team notes
The Cavaliers played without De’Andre Hunter, Darius Garland, and Max Strus. Despite a 25-of-35 night at the foul line (71 percent) and being out-rebounded 38-35, Cleveland secured the road victory. Guard Lonzo Ball went 0-for-4 from the field and is now 1-for-11 on the season.
Up next
Cleveland returns home Sunday to face the unbeaten Milwaukee Bucks (2-0) and two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Source: Hoops Wire
