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Donovan Mitchell led the charge with an impressive 29-point contribution, as the Cleveland Cavaliers secured a 131-122 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on a Wednesday night game. This win marked a historic moment, as the Cavaliers achieved a 9-0 start for the first time in their 55-year journey in the NBA.
Stellar Performances by LeVert and Allen Secure Victory
Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen were pivotal to the Cavaliers’ success, each contributing 16 points to the final tally. Allen stood out with his double-double performance, securing 14 rebounds. The team surpassed the record of the 1976-77 squad under the leadership of coach Bill Fitch, who had managed an 8-0 start and ended the season with a respectable 43-39.
Zion Williamson’s Return Not Enough for Pelicans
Zion Williamson, returning after missing two games, put up a strong fight for the Pelicans with his 29 points. Despite leaving the game temporarily after 10 minutes of play, he made a strong comeback in the second half, scoring 23 points post halftime. Jose Alvarado added to the Pelicans’ score with his flawless 3-pointer performance, contributing a total of 27 points. Brandon Ingram also added 20 points, but the Pelicans’ effort seemed insufficient, resulting in their third consecutive loss and sixth in seven games.
Cavaliers’ Comeback and Key Moments
Despite trailing by 12 points early in the game, the Cavaliers demonstrated resilience and managed a comeback. Their shooting prowess was evident as they posted an overall shooting percentage of 54.2%, with a 48.6% accuracy from the 3-point range.
A crucial moment in the game was witnessed when Mitchell responded to Alvarado’s consecutive 3-pointers with a skillful hesitation move and a floater, taking the score to 114-106. This move successfully halted the Pelicans’ surge and ensured the Cavaliers maintained control for the remaining 5:20 minutes.
Cavaliers’ Bench Shines
The Cavaliers’ reserves made a significant impact, contributing 50 points to the victory. LeVert and Ty Jerome, who scored 11 points, were the key contributors from the bench.
What’s Next?
The Cavaliers will be playing at home against the Golden State Warriors on Friday. The Warriors currently hold the record for the best start in NBA history with a 24-0 in the 2015-16 season. The Pelicans, on the other hand, will be visiting Orlando on Friday night, hoping to break their losing streak.
