CLEVELAND – Donovan Mitchell poured in 34 points, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 117-109 victory over the Phoenix Suns Wednesday night at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The win solidified Cleveland’s position in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, while the Suns, despite a strong performance from Kevin Durant, struggled to contain the Cavaliers' offensive firepower.
The Cavaliers (48-28) relied on a balanced attack, with four other players scoring in double figures alongside Mitchell. Darius Garland chipped in with 18 points and eight assists, while Jarrett Allen contributed a double-double, scoring 15 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Evan Mobley added 14 points and Isaac Okoro provided a spark off the bench with 11 points.
For the Suns (45-31), Kevin Durant led the way with 45 points, showcasing his offensive prowess. However, his efforts were not enough to overcome the Cavaliers' consistent scoring and solid team defense. Devin Booker struggled from the field, finishing with 13 points on just 5-of-18 shooting. Bradley Beal added 14 points, but the Suns' overall offensive rhythm was disrupted by the Cavaliers' defensive pressure.
The game remained tight through the first three quarters, with neither team able to establish a significant lead. The Cavaliers held a narrow 87-85 advantage heading into the final frame. However, Cleveland began the fourth quarter on a 10-2 run, extending their lead to double digits and seizing control of the game.
Mitchell was instrumental in the fourth-quarter surge, scoring several key baskets and drawing fouls. His ability to penetrate the Suns' defense and either finish at the rim or find open teammates proved to be a major factor in the Cavaliers' success.
"Donovan was just incredible tonight," said Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff after the game. "He's our leader, and he stepped up big when we needed him. He made tough shots, made the right reads, and really set the tone for our team."
The Cavaliers shot 48% from the field and connected on 12 of their 34 three-point attempts. They also outrebounded the Suns 44-38, demonstrating their physicality and dominance on the boards.
The Suns, on the other hand, struggled with their outside shooting, hitting just 8 of 28 from beyond the arc. Their inability to consistently knock down three-pointers allowed the Cavaliers to pack the paint and limit their scoring opportunities inside.
"We just couldn't get into a rhythm offensively," said Suns coach Frank Vogel. "We had some open looks, but the shots weren't falling. We need to do a better job of moving the ball and creating easier opportunities."
Looking ahead, the Cavaliers will face the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday at home, while the Suns will travel to Minnesota to take on the Timberwolves on Friday.
The Cavaliers' victory over the Suns marks their third consecutive win and further strengthens their position in the Eastern Conference standings. As the playoffs approach, Cleveland appears to be rounding into form, with Mitchell leading the charge and a supporting cast contributing on both ends of the floor. The team hopes to continue their winning streak and secure a favorable seed in the upcoming postseason tournament. For the Suns, the loss serves as a reminder of the challenges they face as they strive to solidify their playoff position in the competitive Western Conference. They will need to improve their consistency and find ways to generate more balanced offensive production if they hope to make a deep playoff run.
