Cleveland secures 50th victory, top-four seed despite Memphis’ franchise-record 29 three-pointers
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The Cleveland Cavaliers pushed past the Memphis Grizzlies, 142–126, on Monday night at FedExForum, locking in their 50th win of the season and guaranteeing a top-four finish in the Eastern Conference.
Grizzlies light it up from deep
Memphis, playing without several regular contributors, converted a franchise-best 29 three-pointers yet could not overcome Cleveland’s offense. The Grizzlies’ long-range total was the most the Cavaliers have surrendered this year.
Cleveland’s scoring surge
Even with Donovan Mitchell and James Harden resting on the second night of a back-to-back, Cleveland (50-29) spread the production:
- Evan Mobley: 24 points on 9-of-11 shooting
- Dennis Schroder: 22 points (8-of-12) and 11 assists
- Sam Merrill: 21 points
- Keon Ellis: 19 points
- Jarrett Allen: 13 points, 9 rebounds
- Craig Porter Jr.: 11 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks
- NaeQwan Tomlin and Larry Nance Jr.: 10 points each
Playoff implications
A New York Knicks victory over the Atlanta Hawks earlier Monday ensured Cleveland can finish no lower than fourth in the conference. The Hawks, winners of 18 of their previous 20, remain in fifth.
What’s next
The Cavaliers close the regular season with three games: home against Atlanta on Wednesday, at Atlanta on Friday, and home versus Washington on Sunday. While the outcomes are unlikely to affect seeding, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has stressed the need for sharper perimeter defense before the postseason.
Source: Hoops Wire
