Cavs Stumble in Phoenix as Turnovers Fuel Suns’ 126-113 Blowout
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The Cleveland Cavaliers opened their five-game Western trip with a rough landing on Friday night, falling 126-113 to the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center.
Phoenix (30-20) broke open a tight game with a 45-point third quarter, hitting 16 of 20 shots in the period and stretching a five-point halftime margin into a runaway that peaked at a 33-point lead in the fourth. Cleveland’s reserves trimmed the final margin after both benches emptied.
Turnovers and threes decide it
Cleveland (29-21) committed 22 turnovers, which Phoenix converted into 36 points. All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell was charged with eight giveaways—one short of his career high—while trying to direct an offense missing Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Craig Porter Jr.
The Suns also dominated the arc, shooting 47.9 percent from three-point range. The Cavaliers finished 15-for-48 (31.3 percent), creating a 24-point deficit solely from long distance.
Balanced Suns attack
Dillon Brooks followed a 40-point outing in Detroit with 27 points on 9-of-14 shooting. Seven Suns scored in double figures, providing more than enough support once Cleveland’s defense unraveled.
Cleveland’s limited bright spots
DeAndre Hunter led the Cavaliers with 17 points. Rookie Jaylon Tyson supplied energy off the bench, adding 16 points on 7-for-13 shooting. Center Jarrett Allen was productive early but faded as Phoenix’s lead ballooned. Mitchell closed with 16 points and six assists.
Frustration shows
Head coach Kenny Atkinson was ejected 1:07 into the fourth quarter after receiving his second technical foul, underscoring the Cavaliers’ frustration. Officiating issues, however, played little role in the outcome.
What’s next
Cleveland continues its trip Sunday against the Portland Trail Blazers, looking to regroup after seeing a recent surge halted abruptly in Phoenix.
Source: Hoops Wire
