Cleveland made a strong comeback against Brooklyn to preserve its invincibility, while San Antonio lost by one point at home to Utah.
The Cleveland Cavaliers made a sensational comeback in the second half to preserve their perfect start to the season with a victory over the Brooklyn Nets (105-100). A superb defensive performance from Evan Mobley and 22 points from Donovan Mitchell laid the foundation for an improbable victory that allowed Cleveland to improve to 11-0. Mobley led Cleveland in scoring with 23 points, but it was his work on the other end of the court that proved decisive. The 23-year-old power forward grabbed 13 defensive rebounds, made four steals and a block, helping Cleveland overcome a 14-point deficit in the third quarter.
Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson admitted his team was subpar for long stretches, but he praised their resilience in pulling out the win. “We weren’t great, but it’s the sign of a really good team that they can do something like that when they’re not playing at their best.”said Atkinson after the meeting. “Normally, after 11 matches, we don’t think about a series. But tonight, we tell ourselves that we don’t want it to end like that.”explained the coach.
Spurs narrowly beaten
Traveling in Texas, the Utah Jazz beat San Antonio (111-110) for their second victory of the season, thanks to 23 points from Collin Sexton and 20 points from Lauri Markkanen. Victor Wembanyama scored 24 points and grabbed 16 rebounds with seven blocked shots, but the 20-year-old French star committed a costly offensive foul in the final seconds with his team trailing by three points. Jordan Clarkson, author of 16 points for the Jazz, then added two free throws. Julian Champagnie responded with a long-range shot for the Spurs with five seconds left, but Sexton made two final free throws and Devin Vassell’s three-pointer at the buzzer for San Antonio wasn’t enough. Stephon Castle contributed 23 points for the Spurs and Devin Vassell added 21 points off the bench, but San Antonio suffered its sixth loss in ten games.
The Clippers go green
The Los Angeles Clippers signed their sixth victory in ten matches, winning at home against the Toronto Raptors. James Harden carried the California franchise (24 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists), helped by his friend Norman Powell, also author of 24 points. Opposite, Ochai Agbaji and Immanuel Quickley both scored 21 points. The Clippers would be well advised to maintain a high level during their next match since they will travel to the Oklahoma City Thunder, leader of the Western Conference, on Monday.
