The Cleveland Cavaliers survived a tense finish to defeat the short-handed Denver Nuggets 113-108, closing the game with a decisive fourth-quarter stand.
Key Facts
• Final score: Cavaliers 113, Nuggets 108
• Fourth-quarter defense: Cleveland limited Denver to 11 points on 4-of-20 shooting in the final period.
• Jamal Murray’s night: With Nikola Jokić sidelined, Murray poured in 28 first-half points and led a 38-26 third-quarter surge.
• Turnovers: Live-ball giveaways repeatedly fueled Denver runouts before Cleveland tightened up late.
• Crucial rebound: After Donovan Mitchell missed a deep three in the closing minutes, Jarrett Allen grabbed the offensive board and kicked it out for a three-pointer that turned a one-possession margin into a two-possession cushion.
Porter Jr. Continues to Impress
Undrafted rookie guard Craig Porter Jr. has earned the role of primary backup guard under coach Kenny Atkinson. Porter knocked down two timely three-pointers, attacked the rim with confidence, and collected 21 rebounds over the last three games, reflecting the club’s offseason challenge for him to become tougher and more physical.
Defensive Struggles and Adjustments
Cleveland tried trapping, helping, and switching to slow Murray, but rotations often lagged, allowing Denver to build a double-digit lead despite the Cavaliers shooting better than 50 percent from beyond the arc during parts of the third quarter. The Cavaliers eventually solved the problem by sharpening rotations and protecting the ball down the stretch, flipping the momentum in the final 12 minutes.
The victory moves Cleveland to 20-16, providing another glimpse of promise amid ongoing areas for improvement.
Source: Hoops Wire
