Cavs crush Spurs in paint, ride huge third quarter to victory

That was more like it. For at least one half. Or one quarter. Take your pick.

The Cavaliers finally looked like themselves again, even if only for one quarter. They blew the game open with a 44-19 third quarter on Friday, turning 12 dominant minutes into a much-needed 130-116 home win over the Spurs.

Jaylon Tyson was the spark. He nearly outscored San Antonio by himself in that third frame (16 to 19). He was everywhere. Disruptive defensively. Sharp moving without the ball. Comfortable whenever he had it.

He finished with 24 points on 11-for-15 shooting, plus six rebounds and two assists, and he looked like a player taking another meaningful step forward.

The Cavs also corrected a recent issue with their shot selection. Against Portland a few nights ago, they took 52 threes and only 38 shots in the paint. This time, they flipped the script.

Cleveland attempted a season-low 26 threes and punished the Spurs inside, going 31-of-43 at the rim. That helped them win the paint, 80-44.

Donovan Mitchell kept his strong play going with 27 points, eight assists and three steals. Evan Mobley, playing through an illness and facing a Spurs frontline missing Victor Wembanyama and Luke Kornet, added 17 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two blocks.

Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 28 points. De’Aaron Fox added 25 and nine assists in the loss.

The Cavs were again shorthanded without Darius Garland, Sam Merrill, Jarrett Allen, Max Strus and Tyrese Proctor. Even so, they moved to 14-10 on the season and will host a short-handed Warriors team on Saturday.