Cavs Show Plenty Of Rust After Break, But Manage To Wrestle Away Win vs. Wizards

December 13, 2024

For a while Friday night, it looked like the Cavaliers thought they were still on vacation. But hey, they woke up just in time.

The short-handed Cavs outlasted the feisty, rebuilding and visiting Wizards, 115-105, to improve to a league-best 22-4. It wasn’t pretty, but a win’s a win — and Cleveland wasn’t about to let the three-win Wizards add a fourth on their watch.

Still, Washington (3-20) didn’t exactly roll over. In fact, for most of the game, they made the Cavs sweat.

By the fourth quarter, things got a little too close for comfort. With the Wizards hanging around and the score tight, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse got so tense the PA guy had to lead a “De-Fense” chant — you know, like it was a playoff game or something. Not exactly what you expect when the spread was 17 points, the largest in the NBA this season.

Blame it on the Cavs’ shooting. Or lack of it. Cleveland clanked its way to a season-low 39.6% from the field, which is about as rare as seeing Donovan Mitchell miss a clutch bucket.

Speaking of Mitchell, he still got his numbers: 20 points, six rebounds, and six assists. But it was Darius Garland who stole the show, leading the way with 24 points, eight assists, and five boards. Jarrett Allen? The big guy stepped up in Evan Mobley’s absence (ankle sprain) with 21 points — Allen’s fourth-best scoring night this year.

As for the Wizards, let’s give credit where due. Bilal Coulibaly, fresh off spending time with Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson on the French national team, was a problem. He dropped a game-high 27 points. Jordan Poole chipped in 17 and reminded everyone he’s still around.

But here’s the thing about these Cavs — they can win ugly. When their shots weren’t falling, they leaned on defense, something they’ve been zeroing in on during their extended break. Even without Mobley, they showed flashes of the defensive grit that’s been their hallmark at times.

So yeah, this wasn’t the cakewalk everyone expected, but it’s December. A little adversity now isn’t the worst thing. The Cavs will take the win, thank you very much, and move on.

Next up: It’s off to Brooklyn for a Monday night showdown with the Nets. Tipoff at 7:30 p.m. Don’t sleep on it — or them.