The Cavaliers beat Brooklyn 125-121 to get to 1-1, but a 96-80 lead after three quarters shrank to a four-point finish. Cleveland sits ninth in the East, a half game behind sixth place.
Did Cleveland nearly blow another big lead?
Yes. The Cavs led by as many as 22 and went up 101-80 early in the final quarter. Brooklyn then outscored them 41-29 over the last 12 minutes and closed on a 9-0 run, cutting it to 120-116 with 33 seconds left. After giving away a 29-point lead in Philadelphia, that is a hard way to win at home.
Who actually closed it out?
Mitchell, Mobley, Harden, Allen and Watson played the last five minutes together. At the end, Merrill and Proctor were on the floor for Allen and Watson. Harden hit a free throw with 19 seconds left. Porter's pullup three made it 123-121, then Merrill made both free throws after Porter's sixth foul. Proctor grabbed the rebound after Minott missed a 31-footer.
Which Cavs earned their grades?
Allen gets an A: 21 points on 7-of-8 shooting in 27 minutes. Mitchell gets a B: 22 points and 6-of-6 at the line, but 7-of-15 shooting and four turnovers. Tyson gets a B-plus: 15 points, 3-of-7 from deep and eight in the final quarter. Harden gets a C: 8 rebounds and 7 assists, but 1-of-8 from the floor and four turnovers.
Why did Mobley and Watson finish in the red?
Mobley was minus-8 in 35 minutes despite 20 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks. Watson was minus-7 in 31 minutes on 4-of-11 shooting. The best marks came off the bench: Hezonja plus-8 in 20 minutes, Tyson plus-7 and Merrill plus-7. The starters scored 86 points, the bench 36, and the bench kept the lead.
What does this win change for Cleveland?
It keeps the season from sliding to 0-2. Cleveland is 1-1 and ninth, half a game behind sixth-place Washington at 2-1. Brooklyn is 0-2. The Timberwolves come to town next, then the Wizards on Oct. 28 and a trip to Atlanta on Oct. 29. Another slow finish against that group will cost real games.
Did the Cavaliers beat the Nets?
Yes, 125-121 at home on Oct. 24, which moved Cleveland to 1-1.
Who led the Cavaliers in scoring against Brooklyn?
Donovan Mitchell scored 22, ahead of Jarrett Allen with 21 and Evan Mobley with 20.
