Mitchell’s 48 Points Lift Cavaliers Past Short-Handed Wizards 130-126
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Friday, Dec. 15, 2023 — Donovan Mitchell poured in 48 points, and the Cleveland Cavaliers needed nearly every one of them to edge the Washington Wizards 130-126 in a game that exposed as many problems as it solved.
Washington arrived with a 3-19 record and three starters out of the lineup, yet the visitors controlled long stretches. The Wizards turned a nine-point second-quarter advantage into a 15-point cushion entering the fourth after opening the second half on a 24-6 run. Cleveland’s defense offered little resistance, and shot selection deteriorated as the deficit grew.
Mitchell took over late, scoring repeatedly down the stretch to erase the gap. Rookie guard Craig Porter Jr. provided a burst of energy, and Lonzo Ball converted key free throws as the Cavaliers finally pulled even. Mitchell then closed the game himself, securing Cleveland’s 15th win of the season.
Evan Mobley supported the comeback with 23 points and 13 rebounds. Outside of Mitchell and Mobley, the Cavaliers struggled from deep, finishing 28 percent (14-of-50). Darius Garland went 0-for-11 from three, continuing a cold spell that has stretched across multiple games.
Despite the victory, head coach J. B. Bickerstaff’s club left Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse with fresh concerns about defensive urgency, transition effort and perimeter efficiency—areas that will demand attention before the Charlotte Hornets visit on Sunday for a 3:30 p.m. ET tipoff. Cleveland sits at 15-11; Washington drops to 3-20.
Source: Hoops Wire
