Cleveland Cavaliers Squeeze Past Brooklyn Nets 114-113 In Season Opener

The Cleveland Cavaliers in season opener on the road win a close game 114-113 against the Brooklyn Nets. Donovan Mitchell scored 27 points on 11 of 21 from the field, to go along with five rebounds, six assists, four steals, and made four three-pointers. Mitchell made a big three with 12 seconds left in the 4th quarter to give the Cavaliers a 1 point lead. Max Strus posted a double-double with 27 points on 9 of 17 from the field, grabbed 12 rebounds and drained seven three-pointers. Issac Okoro pitched in 18 points on 6 of 10 from the floor, picked up six rebounds, dished out four assists, and stripped away two steals.

Darius Garland put in 15 points on 6 of 12 from the field, accumulated two steals, dished out five assists, but turned the ball over 6 times. The Cavaliers shot 46.8 percent from the field, and shot 39.5 percent on 17 of 43 from three-point range. The Cavaliers did not give up and they got stops on defense when they needed to. All of the Cavaliers starters scored in double-figures. The Cavaliers are off to a good start to the season after this win. Jarrett Allen did not with with an ankle injury.

“The thing about our team is that we’re really resilient,” Mitchell said. “When the games are close … you have to be locked in defensively. For me, when it’s time, just kind of picking my spots and kind of getting to where I wanted to.”

For the Nets, Cameron Thomas led all scorers with 36 points on 13 of 21 from the field off the bench. Mikal Bridges finished with 20 points on 6 of 12 from the floor, including six rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Cameron Johnson logged 12 points on 5 of 10 from the field, and caught five rebounds. Dennis Smith Jr. managed 10 points on 4 of 5 from the floor, and collected four rebounds off the pine. Dorian Finney-Smith tossed in 10 points on 4 of 8 from the field, and pulled down five rebounds off the bench.

The Nets shot 50 percent from the field, and shot 33.3 percent on 9 of 27 behind the three-point line. The Nets out-rebounded the Cavaliers 50 to 38. The Nets bench outscored the Cavaliers bench 66 to 17. The Nets had a good chance to win and competed well even though they lost.