Cleveland trailed by 15, never led by more than five, and still beat Minnesota 127-125 in overtime for its second straight win. At 2-1 and sixth in the conference, the Cavs now get a Washington team playing its second game in two nights.
Where did this game actually turn?
It turned in the third quarter. Cleveland was down 69-58 and then ran off 12 straight points to take a 70-69 lead, won the quarter 36-26 and tied it at 86. Minnesota answered with an 11-0 burst early in the fourth to go up 101-94, but the Cavs pulled even at 113 by the end of regulation. The game had 16 lead changes and six ties.
Who finished it in overtime?
Atkinson closed with Mitchell, Harden, Mobley, Watson and Merrill. Mobley and Mitchell scored five apiece in the extra period. Harden made both free throws with 13 seconds left for a 125-122 lead. LaMelo Ball then missed two free throws, Anthony Edwards missed a 25-foot pull-up three, and Watson grabbed the rebound and made both of his free throws with three seconds to go.
Is Meleek Thomas for real?
One night proves nothing, but this was a strong night: 16 points in 19 minutes on 6-of-10 shooting and 4-of-5 from three, and he finished plus-1. ESPN reported that the Cavaliers credited Thomas with sparking the win in his NBA debut. Grade: A-minus. He gave Cleveland scoring from the bench at a point when the starters couldn't find any.
How should the rest of the night be graded?
Jaylon Tyson gets an A: 11 points, five assists and a team-best plus-15 in 20 minutes. Merrill was plus-13 in 31 minutes. Mobley gets a B-plus for 18 points, 10 rebounds and 4-of-5 from three, held down by 2-of-6 free throws. Watson gets a B because three steals, four blocks and the winning free throws outweigh 0-of-5 from deep and the worst plus-minus on the team, minus-7.
Can they win when Edwards scores 47?
Apparently yes, but they shouldn't make a habit of it. Edwards went 19-of-34 and was plus-11. Cleveland got away with it because the bench scored 39, and because Ball turned it over seven times and missed the free throws that could have tied it. Hezonja was minus-6 in 15 minutes.
Who won Cavaliers vs Timberwolves on October 26, 2026?
The Cavaliers won 127-125 in overtime after trailing by 15. Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 26 points, and Anthony Edwards scored 47 for Minnesota.
When do the Cavaliers play the Wizards?
Cleveland hosts Washington on October 28. The Wizards are 2-2 and playing their second game in two nights, and AJ Dybantsa, Tristan Vukcevic and Jamir Watkins are listed out.
