Cavaliers Rout Wizards 148-114 in NBA Cup
WASHINGTON (AP) — Donovan Mitchell scored 24 points, and Darius Garland contributed 20 points along with nine assists as the Cleveland Cavaliers dominated the Washington Wizards 148-114 on Friday night, improving their record to 1-1 in NBA Cup play.
Cavaliers' Scoring Highlights
Cleveland fell just one point short of tying their franchise record for points in a regulation game, which is 149 points set during a 149-135 win against Denver last December. Their highest overall scoring game was a 154-153 quadruple-overtime victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in January. The team also scored 148 points at home in a December 1991 win against Miami.
Team Performance and Player Contributions
- The Cavaliers have now won three consecutive games after losing their NBA Cup opener at home to Toronto, a game Donovan Mitchell missed due to hamstring tightness.
- CJ McCollum scored 20 of his 25 points in the first half for Washington during their East Group A opener.
- The Wizards have lost seven straight games, dropping their record to 1-8.
- Garland and Sam Merrill helped Cleveland build a 76-59 lead at halftime, extending it to 109-86 after three quarters.
Injury and Comeback Updates
Garland played his second game after missing seven contests while recovering from surgery on his big toe to treat a turf toe injury. In his return debut against the 76ers, he scored eight points and had four assists.
"Two days after Mitchell scored a season-high 46 points in a home victory over Philadelphia, Garland and Sam Merrill led Cleveland to a 76-59 advantage at the half."
Both teams are scheduled to play at home again on Saturday to complete their back-to-back games.
Author's Summary
The Cavaliers showed strong offensive depth and resilience in their decisive win over the Wizards, signaling steady recovery from early-season setbacks.