Cleveland Cavaliers veteran Georges Niang summed it up perfectly: this past week felt like a second All-Star break. After an extended layoff, the Cavs returned to the court Friday night, battling both rust and a surprisingly resilient Washington Wizards team. Despite the obstacles, Cleveland emerged victorious with a 115-105 win, improving their impressive season record to 22-4.
For much of the night, it looked like the league’s top team was struggling to regain its rhythm after a four-day hiatus. As Donovan Mitchell explained, “There’s going to be some rust you need to shake off and things like that, but we were doing a lot of really good things.” That rust was evident in their uncharacteristically poor shooting performance, as Cleveland shot a season-low 39.6% from the field. However, the team’s defensive identity and perseverance shone through.
A Mature Team Effort
Mitchell emphasized the team’s growth and maturity, saying, “For us, it’s continuing to be who we are defensively and then trusting each other on offense. Just a sign of a mature team.” This maturity was crucial as the Cavs faced a Wizards squad that, despite being undermanned and in the midst of a rebuild, didn’t make things easy. Washington, missing key players like Kyle Kuzma and Malcolm Brogdon, was still within striking distance late in the game, forcing Cleveland to dig deep.
At one tense moment in the fourth quarter, the arena’s PA announcer initiated a “De-Fense” chant—a move usually reserved for marquee matchups. The irony wasn’t lost on anyone. This wasn’t supposed to be a nail-biter, especially with Cleveland entering the night as 17-point favorites, the largest spread in the NBA this season.
Late-Game Heroics
Ultimately, the Cavs found their groove when it mattered most. With less than two minutes left, the lead was a mere five points. But thanks to a late surge, Cleveland extended the margin to double digits, securing a much-needed cushion until the final buzzer. Leading the charge was Darius Garland, who put up 24 points along with eight assists and five rebounds. His leadership was critical, especially with star big man Evan Mobley sidelined due to a minor ankle sprain.
Jarrett Allen stepped up in Mobley’s absence, delivering his fourth-highest scoring output of the season with 21 points. Donovan Mitchell added 20 points, six rebounds, and six assists, while swingman Isaac Okoro—returning from a two-game absence—contributed 13 points and a team-best plus-16 rating during his time on the floor.
Defensive Grit Pays Off
With their offense sputtering, Cleveland turned to defense to carry them through. “Some nights we’re not going to have good shooting nights,” Garland admitted. “Just got to pick up on the defensive side of the ball. That’s what we did tonight. Fought for 48 minutes to get this win.”
Head coach Kenny Atkinson praised the team’s effort on the defensive end, noting that it was the key to overcoming the offensive struggles. “Four-day layoff and they brought it defensively,” Atkinson said. “Gotta do that when you don’t make shots. If we would have come out with a kind of meddling defensive effort, we would have taken the loss.”
The focus on defense was evident, even without Mobley anchoring the paint. Over the past few days, the team worked tirelessly to recapture their ferocious defensive form, and that preparation paid off. The Cavs entered the night with the league’s second-ranked offense, but their ability to adapt and grind out a win highlighted their versatility and resilience.
The Wizards Put Up a Fight
On the other side of the court, the Wizards refused to roll over. Bilal Coulibaly, a young talent who spent time this summer with Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson on the French national team, led Washington with a game-high 27 points. Jordan Poole added 17 points and six assists, but their efforts weren’t enough to overcome the 40-11 disparity in free-throw attempts. The Wizards, understandably frustrated, still managed to make the Cavs work for every point.
Looking Ahead
This game served as a reminder that no matchup in the NBA is a guaranteed win. Even against a struggling, injury-plagued opponent, Cleveland had to fight tooth and nail. The victory was a testament to their growth as a team and their ability to stay composed under pressure. As the Cavs continue their journey this season, performances like this will only strengthen their resolve and readiness for tougher challenges ahead.
Friday’s win might not have been the prettiest, but it showcased the heart and determination of a team with championship aspirations. Whether it’s overcoming shooting woes or finding ways to win against the odds, this Cavs squad is proving they have what it takes to go the distance.
Login