The Cleveland Cavaliers put on a clinic against the Brooklyn Nets, cruising to a commanding 112-84 victory on February 19. This win marks their sixth consecutive triumph, setting a new season high, and adds to their impressive run of 11 wins in the last 12 games. The Cavaliers have been particularly dominant at home, securing five straight victories.
In a game that saw Cleveland in control from the get-go, they never trailed, marking the second consecutive contest and sixth time this season they've maintained a lead throughout. With a hectic schedule ahead-five games in seven days-coach Kenny Atkinson wisely rested his starters after building a 102-67 lead by the end of the third quarter.
Brooklyn's struggles continued, with the team now 5-20 since December 29. Michael Porter Jr. contributed 14 points, while Ochai Agbaji added 13 for the Nets.
The Cavaliers' dynamic duo of Donovan Mitchell and James Harden set the tone early. Harden's quick hands led to a steal from Brooklyn’s Noah Clowney, sparking a fast break that culminated in a dazzling alley-oop to Mitchell, pushing Cleveland to a 14-3 lead.
Harden was on fire, hitting his first six shots, including three from beyond the arc, and ended the night with nine assists and five rebounds. Mitchell was equally efficient, shooting 7 of 12 from the field.
Cleveland's offense was clicking from the start, building an 18-point lead by the end of the first quarter. Jarrett Allen chipped in with 10 of his 15 points during this period. The Cavaliers shot a season-best 64.2% in the first half, leading 70-48 at halftime.
Their dominance peaked with a 43-point lead late in the third quarter, the largest margin they've enjoyed all season.
The return of Evan Mobley and Dean Wade added to Cleveland’s firepower. Mobley, coming back from a calf strain, scored 10 points and grabbed nine rebounds, while Wade, recovering from an ankle sprain, added 10 points, including three 3-pointers.
Looking ahead, the Nets will face the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 20, while the Cavaliers will take on the Charlotte Hornets on the same day.