In a spectacular offensive showcase, the Cleveland Cavaliers secured a decisive 146-134 victory against the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday afternoon. The win allowed the Cavaliers to split a rare interconference home-and-home series after suffering a loss in Minnesota just two days prior.
Historic Scoring Feat for Cleveland
The Cavaliers' point total marked the fourth-highest score in a regulation game in franchise history. The team achieved a remarkable statistical milestone, with five players each scoring at least 20 points. This feat had only been accomplished once before by the franchise, back on March 14, 1972, against the Baltimore Bullets.
Star guard Donovan Mitchell led the charge with 28 points and eight assists. He was brilliantly supported by Jarrett Allen, who recorded a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. The scoring was evenly distributed with Evan Mobley adding 24 points, rookie Jaylon Tyson netting 23, Darius Garland contributing 22, and sharpshooter Sam Merrill chipping in with 20 points.
Timberwolves' Streak Snapped Despite Strong Start
The Minnesota Timberwolves, who entered the game on a four-game winning streak, saw their run come to an end. They were led by Anthony Edwards and Naz Reid, who each scored 25 points. Julius Randle added 20 points, while Rudy Gobert tallied eight points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks.
Minnesota started strong, building a 12-point lead in the first half. Naz Reid was instrumental in the second quarter, scoring 11 points including three three-pointers, helping the Timberwolves to a 47-35 advantage. However, Cleveland fought back to narrow the gap to 65-63 by halftime, with Mitchell scoring 14 and Allen nearly securing a first-half double-double with nine points and nine rebounds.
Cavaliers' Decisive Run Seals the Game
The momentum shifted decisively in the third quarter. The Cavaliers unleashed a devastating 12-0 run, fueled by two three-pointers from Sam Merrill, to take an 82-73 lead they would never relinquish. They continued to extend their advantage in the final period, with a Darius Garland free throw pushing the lead to a game-high 133-115 midway through the fourth quarter.
The Cavaliers were without power forward Dean Wade, who missed his second consecutive game due to a knee injury. Sam Merrill continued to play through pain in his left ankle and right hand. For the Timberwolves, veteran point guard Mike Conley was rested but is expected to return for their next game.
This high-scoring affair featured ten lead changes in a tightly contested first quarter, which ended with Minnesota holding a slim 33-29 edge. The Cavaliers' ability to generate offense from multiple sources ultimately proved too much for the Timberwolves to handle, leading to a memorable and record-tying victory at home.
