Cavaliers Rout Wizards 148-114 to Improve to 1-1 in NBA Cup
WASHINGTON (AP) — Donovan Mitchell led the Cleveland Cavaliers with 24 points, while Darius Garland added 20 points and nine assists as the Cavaliers crushed the Washington Wizards 148-114 on Friday night. This victory improved Cleveland's record to 1-1 in NBA Cup play.
The Cavaliers scored just one point shy of their franchise record for points in a regulation game, previously set in a 149-135 win at Denver last December. The overall franchise record remains 154 points, achieved during a quadruple-overtime 154-153 home win over the Los Angeles Lakers in January. Cleveland also scored 148 points in a December 1991 home victory against Miami.
The Cavaliers have now won three consecutive games after dropping their Cup opener a week earlier at home to Toronto, a game Mitchell missed due to hamstring tightness.
Wizards Struggle Continues
CJ McCollum scored 20 of his 25 points in the first half, but the Wizards dropped their seventh straight game, falling to a 1-8 record. Both teams will host home games Saturday to complete back-to-back matchups.
Game Progress and Player Highlights
Following a season-high 46-point performance by Mitchell two days earlier in a win over Philadelphia, Garland and Sam Merrill helped lead Cleveland to a 76-59 halftime advantage, extending to 109-86 after three quarters.
Garland was returning from surgery on his big toe, marking his second game after missing the first seven due to turf toe injury. In his first game back against the 76ers, he scored eight points and made four assists.
"Donovan Mitchell scored 24 points, Darius Garland had 20 points and nine assists as the Cleveland Cavaliers routed the Washington Wizards 148-114 on Friday night to improve to 1-1 in NBA Cup play."
"CJ McCollum scored 20 of his 25 points in the first half for Washington in its East Group A opener. The Wizards have lost seven straight to fall to 1-8."
Author's summary: The Cavaliers decisively defeated the Wizards 148-114, showcasing strong performances from Mitchell and Garland as they improved their NBA Cup record to 1-1.