Donovan Mitchell poured in another huge scoring performance against the Sixers, but the Cleveland Cavaliers’ return to the win column didn’t come without a cost.
Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers are back in the win column—but not without paying a price.
Mitchell went on a third-quarter tear, scoring 20 of his 35 points as the Cavs rolled past the Philadelphia 76ers, 133-107, despite losing Darius Garland to a right foot injury on Thursday, January 15 (PH time).
Garland was shaping up for a big night with 20 points and seven assists—until a hard fall while chasing a loose ball in the third quarter cut his performance short.
Fortunately, it was the foot opposite the one that underwent toe surgery last offseason.
Evan Mobley and De'Andre Hunter added 17 points apiece as Cleveland hit 20 threes, led by as many as 30 points, and improved to 23-19 this season.
Joel Embiid paced the Sixers with 20 points, while Paul George contributed 17 and Tyrese Maxey 14.
The loss marks the first of their six-game home stand, dropping Philadelphia to 22-17.
A rematch is already on the horizon, as the two teams face off once more in Philadelphia on Saturday, January 17 (PH time).
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.