The Cleveland Cavaliers shook off a 3 a.m. arrival in Orlando and secured a 119-105 victory over the Magic on Saturday night, completing a back-to-back without visible fatigue.
Cavaliers
Forward Dean Wade set the tone in the opening minutes and delivered key plays in the closing stretch. Over the final 5:24, the 28-year-old recorded a block, a steal, two rebounds and a corner three that restored a double-digit cushion.
Wade termed back-to-backs “85 percent mental,” a stance supported by the team’s efficiency. Cleveland shot 53 percent from the field and 44 percent from beyond the arc while holding Orlando well below those marks.
Donovan Mitchell scored 27 of his 31 points after halftime and added six assists. Starter Darius Garland missed a fifth straight game with a toe injury, yet the Cavaliers have won six of their last eight and 10 of 14, moving within two games of Boston for the Eastern Conference’s No. 2 spot.
Spurs
Devin Vassell is expected to play Sunday against the Pelicans after missing nearly a month with a left adductor strain, the San Antonio Spurs confirmed. The 24-year-old guard will be on a minutes restriction.
Vassell, who averaged 15.0 points and shot almost 38 percent from three before the injury, practiced without limitations Saturday. San Antonio posted an 8-5 record in his absence and remains near the Western Conference lead.
He cited caution with groin-area injuries, emphasizing that a premature return could prolong recovery.
Pistons
J.B. Bickerstaff will represent the Detroit Pistons as an assistant coach in next month’s NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles, the league announced. Detroit’s conference-best record secured the selection, marking the franchise’s first All-Star coaching appearance since Flip Saunders.
Bickerstaff has overseen a dramatic turnaround: the Pistons improved by 30 wins last season and reached the playoffs, then opened this year with one of the NBA’s top overall records. The 2026 All-Star Game will feature a U.S. vs. World format.
Detroit, San Antonio and Cleveland all resume regular-season play on Sunday.
Source: Hoops Wire
