The Cleveland Cavaliers clawed back from a 15-point fourth-quarter hole to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans 111-106 on Saturday night at Smoothie King Center.
Cleveland (44-27) trailed 88-73 early in the final period before a surge led by guards Donovan Mitchell and James Harden turned the game around. Harden drilled consecutive three-pointers to ignite a 16-2 spurt, and Mitchell followed with a triple, free throws and repeated drives to the rim as the Cavaliers closed the contest on a 35-18 run.
Mitchell, quiet for most of the evening, finished with 27 points, with the bulk coming late. Harden contributed 20 points and 10 assists, 13 of those points arriving in the decisive fourth quarter.
Forward Evan Mobley provided steady production throughout, scoring 18 points while anchoring the defense. Reserve guard Sam Merrill supplied 15 points and a team-high 10 rebounds, and backup center Thomas Bryant added 11 points and eight boards.
New Orleans (25-47) was paced by Zion Williamson’s 25 points. Saddiq Bey added 19 in the loss.
The comeback marked Cleveland’s second straight win heading into Tuesday’s home matchup with the Orlando Magic.
Source: Hoops Wire
