Donovan Mitchell scored 35 points, and Jarrett Allen added 22 as the Cleveland Cavaliers (1-1) defeated the Brooklyn Nets (0-2) 131-124 on Friday night.
Cleveland built a 25-point lead in the third quarter before the Nets mounted a late fourth-quarter rally. Ziaire Williams’ three-pointer brought Brooklyn within 121-115 with 5:18 remaining, briefly halting the Cavaliers’ momentum.
Mitchell, who went 10 of 15 from the field, helped Cleveland respond after a series of Nets’ misses, extending the lead to 127-120 with 38 seconds left. Sam Merrill contributed 22 points, and Evan Mobley added 13 as Cleveland claimed its first victory of the season.
Cam Thomas scored 33 points, while Michael Porter Jr. tallied 31 for Brooklyn, but their combined efforts could not overcome the Cavaliers’ offensive efficiency. The Nets shot 51 percent overall but struggled in the final minutes, missing key opportunities to close the gap.
Cleveland shot 53.7 percent from the field and made 18 of 42 three-pointers, including 9 of 11 in the third quarter, showcasing a strong offensive performance that proved decisive.
Brooklyn briefly threatened late, with rookie Egor Demin’s three-pointer cutting the deficit to 121-120 with 3:48 remaining, but consecutive Cavaliers scores secured the win. Allen dominated inside with six offensive rebounds and five assists, while Mitchell added five rebounds and three steals.
The Cavaliers will host the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday, while the Nets travel to face San Antonio on Sunday in search of their first win.
