Cleveland Cavaliers v. Denver Nuggets 12.27.2024

The Cleveland Cavaliers extended their winning streak to six games with a commanding 149-135 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Friday night. Donovan Mitchell led the charge with 33 points, while Evan Mobley added a season-high 26 points in a game where Cleveland set a new season high in scoring.

Despite Nikola Jokic’s 27-point triple-double (14 rebounds, 13 assists)—his league-leading 12th of the season—and Jamal Murray’s 27 points and 10 assists, the Nuggets couldn’t keep pace. Michael Porter Jr. started hot with 13 early points but was held to just five the rest of the way. Denver’s defensive struggles, compounded by the absence of Aaron Gordon, allowed Cleveland to dominate and improve their league-best record to 27-4.

Key Moments:

Second-Quarter Surge: Trailing 53-50 early in the second quarter, the Cavaliers went on a 16-0 run sparked by six points from Darius Garland, who finished with 25 points. Cleveland never relinquished the lead, which remained in double digits throughout the second half.

Offensive Efficiency: All five Cavaliers starters shot over 50% from the field, with four scoring 20 or more points.

Key Stats:

Cleveland poured in 80 points in the first half, setting a season high for points in a half.

Donovan Mitchell hit 6 of 12 from beyond the arc to fuel Cleveland’s offensive explosion.

Takeaways:

Cavaliers: Cleveland continues to prove their dominance, passing the first test of a challenging road trip with their balanced scoring and efficient shooting.

Nuggets: Denver’s porous defense, missing Aaron Gordon, allowed season highs in both total points and first-half points.

Up Next:

Cleveland continues their road trip against Golden State on Monday night.

Denver looks to bounce back at home against Detroit on Saturday.