Cavs Open Second Half With 133-107 Rout of 76ers in Philadelphia
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The Cleveland Cavaliers started the NBA season’s unofficial second half in emphatic fashion on Wednesday night, overpowering the Philadelphia 76ers 133-107 at Wells Fargo Center.
Mitchell ignites third-quarter surge
Guard Donovan Mitchell poured in a game-high 35 points and handed out nine assists, burying four three-pointers during a decisive third period that blew the contest open. Cleveland (23-19) posted its largest victory margin of the season.
Frontcourt controls the paint
Evan Mobley supplied 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting, 13 rebounds, six assists and four blocks, while fellow big man Jarrett Allen anchored the interior defense against reigning MVP Joel Embiid. “We used our defense and turned it into offense,” Mobley told FanDuel Sports Network, adding that Allen “was very inspired” in the matchup with Embiid.
Supporting cast steps up
Darius Garland scored 20 points and dished seven assists before exiting in the second half with a right foot injury—different from the left toe that required offseason surgery. Reserve guard Sam Merrill also left after hurting his hand. No immediate updates were provided on either player.
After several sluggish outings and trade speculation, DeAndre Hunter delivered 17 points on 7-of-13 shooting in 22 minutes off the bench. “We have that kind of energy from the jump, I think we’ll be tough to beat,” Hunter said on the broadcast.
Defense sets early tone
Cleveland limited Philadelphia (22-17) to 43.2 percent shooting and just 19 first-quarter points, establishing control from the opening tip. Embiid finished with 20 points but managed only four rebounds. Tyrese Maxey was held to 14 points on 5-of-16 shooting.
Coach challenges team after Utah loss
Interim head coach Kenny Atkinson said he challenged his players following Monday’s defeat to the Utah Jazz. “We needed to respond,” Atkinson told reporters. “It wasn’t just that we won, but how we played the game. That was Cavs basketball.”
The clubs meet again Friday night in Philadelphia as the 76ers look to avenge their most lopsided loss of the campaign.
Source: Hoops Wire
