Donovan Mitchell erupted for 45 points on 16-of-26 shooting, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a statement 126-114 victory over the defending champion Denver Nuggets at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Thursday night.
The explosive performance lifted Cleveland to 31-4 on the season, extending their franchise-record start while handing Denver (19-15) their third loss in four games. Mitchell’s 45-point outburst marked his highest-scoring game since joining the Cavaliers and the most points allowed by Denver’s defense this season.
Mitchell Torches Denver Defense
The 28-year-old guard caught fire early, scoring 18 points in the first quarter on perfect 7-of-7 shooting. Mitchell connected on seven three-pointers and went 8-for-8 from the free-throw line in a masterful display against the Nuggets’ typically stingy defense.
“I felt it from the jump,” Mitchell said postgame. “When you get in that rhythm, you just keep attacking. Credit to my teammates for finding me in the right spots.”
Darius Garland added 23 points and 11 assists, while Evan Mobley contributed 18 points and 12 rebounds. The Cavaliers shot 52.4 percent from the field and connected on 18 three-pointers, their second-highest total of the season.
Jokic Battles But Lacks Support
Nikola Jokic posted his 23rd double-double with 27 points and 14 rebounds, but the two-time MVP couldn’t match Cleveland’s offensive firepower. The Serbian center shot 11-of-18 from the field but received minimal help from his supporting cast.
Jamal Murray managed just 16 points on 6-of-16 shooting, continuing his inconsistent play since returning from injury. Michael Porter Jr. added 19 points but went cold in the fourth quarter when Denver needed him most.
“We didn’t match their intensity early,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. “When a guy like Mitchell gets going like that, you have to make it tough on him. We didn’t do that consistently enough.”
Eastern Conference Supremacy
The victory further solidified Cleveland’s position atop the Eastern Conference, now holding a commanding 3.5-game lead over the Boston Celtics (28-8). The Cavaliers have won 15 of their last 16 games and own the best record in the NBA through 35 games.
Cleveland’s balanced attack has been their calling card all season. They rank second in the league in offensive efficiency while maintaining a top-10 defense. The combination has made them the betting favorites to represent the Eastern Conference in June.
Denver, meanwhile, continues to struggle with consistency. After reaching the NBA Finals last season, the Nuggets sit sixth in the competitive Western Conference. They’ve lost eight of their last 13 games and face mounting pressure to find their championship form.
Playoff Preview Intensity
The matchup carried playoff-level intensity from the opening tip. Both teams understood the significance of the showdown between conference contenders, with Cleveland treating the game as a measuring stick against the reigning champions.
The Cavaliers led by as many as 19 points in the third quarter before Denver mounted a brief comeback. The Nuggets cut the deficit to eight with 6:34 remaining, but Mitchell answered with consecutive three-pointers to restore Cleveland’s comfortable margin.
“Games like this show us what we’re capable of,” Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson said. “We played a complete game against the defending champs. That builds confidence moving forward.”
Jarrett Allen anchored Cleveland’s defense with 12 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks. The center’s rim protection neutralized Denver’s interior attack and forced the Nuggets into difficult perimeter shots.
The loss dropped Denver to 9-9 on the road, where they’ve struggled to replicate their home dominance. The Nuggets are 10-6 at Ball Arena but have found little consistency away from the Mile High City.
Cleveland continues its homestand Saturday against the Miami Heat, while Denver begins a four-game road trip Monday in Sacramento.
