The Cleveland Cavaliers, finally operating with their projected starting lineup, overwhelmed the Washington Wizards 148-114 on Friday night in an NBA In-Season Tournament group game at Capital One Arena.
Cleveland (6-3 overall, 1-1 in East Group A) rolled out Darius Garland, DeAndre Hunter, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen together for the first time this season. Garland appeared in just his second game since toe surgery, while Hunter returned after an illness. Head coach Kenny Atkinson’s full complement produced immediate results, opening the contest on a 6-0 burst and scoring 76 points by halftime.
The Cavaliers led for 23 of the first 24 minutes and never slowed, stretching the advantage to 37 late in the fourth quarter before Washington trimmed the margin during extended garbage time. All 13 Cleveland players who saw the floor scored, and seven reached double figures.
Stat Leaders
Cavaliers: Donovan Mitchell 24 points; Darius Garland 20 points, 9 assists; Evan Mobley 18 points, 10 rebounds; Jarrett Allen 16 points, 14 rebounds despite wearing a protective splint; rookie Tyrese Proctor 17 points; Sam Merrill 14 points; Jaylon Tyson 10 points (fifth straight game in double digits).
Wizards (1-8): Canton native CJ McCollum 25 points; Alex Sarr 20 points.
Team Numbers
Cleveland dominated the glass 57-44, collecting 25 offensive rebounds—nearly matching Washington’s 28 defensive boards. The Cavaliers also finished with a perfect scoring ledger, as every player contributed at least one basket.
The win keeps Cleveland squarely in the hunt for a knockout-round berth with two group games remaining.
Source: Hoops Wire
