Los Angeles, United States February 22, (V7N) - The Cleveland Cavaliers continued their impressive season with a commanding 142-105 victory over the New York Knicks on Friday, solidifying their position as the NBA’s top team. Donovan Mitchell led the charge with 27 points, including five three-pointers, as the Cavaliers showcased their depth and dominance in a game that saw six players score in double figures.
Cleveland’s victory was a masterclass in both offense and defense. The Cavaliers shot an impressive 19-of-37 from beyond the arc and outscored the Knicks 66-38 in the paint. They also dominated in transition, holding a 23-6 edge in fast-break points.
Evan Mobley contributed 21 points, while Jarrett Allen added 10 before exiting in the third quarter with a right hand injury. Darius Garland, who took a hard fall in the first half, stayed in the game and finished with 15 points.
The Cavaliers led by as many as 42 points, cruising to their sixth straight win and improving their league-best record.
Jalen Brunson scored 26 points for the Knicks, including 16 in the first quarter, but was held scoreless in the second period as Cleveland pulled away. Karl-Anthony Towns added 23 points, but New York’s struggles against the NBA’s top teams continued. The Knicks are now 0-6 this season against Cleveland, Boston, and Oklahoma City—the three teams with the league’s best records.
“I think the biggest thing was just trying to set the tone early,” Mitchell said after the game. He emphasized that the Cavaliers’ focus was on building momentum for the playoffs, rather than avenging their first-round loss to the Knicks two seasons ago.
“For us, it’s about how do we continue to build and get better—we may see them in the playoffs,” Mitchell added.
In Orlando, the Memphis Grizzlies secured a narrow 105-104 victory over the Magic, thanks to clutch plays from Ja Morant and Desmond Bane. Morant tied the game with a layup in the final two minutes, and Bane hit the decisive free throw to seal the win.
Morant finished with 23 points, while Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. added 16 apiece. Jackson also came up big on defense, blocking Paolo Banchero’s potential game-winner at the buzzer.
The Milwaukee Bucks, bolstered by their trade-deadline acquisition Kyle Kuzma, edged the Washington Wizards 104-101. Kuzma led the Bucks with 19 points, while Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 18 before fouling out late in the game.
Khris Middleton, who was traded to Washington in the deal that sent Kuzma to Milwaukee, made his Wizards debut and scored 12 points. The Wizards cut a 10-point deficit to one in the final minutes, but Brook Lopez’s free throws and a key block on Middleton’s layup sealed the win for Milwaukee.
Cavaliers’ Depth: Cleveland’s balanced attack and defensive intensity make them a formidable contender.
Knicks’ Struggles: New York’s inability to compete with the league’s elite teams raises questions about their playoff readiness.
Grizzlies’ Resilience: Memphis’ ability to win close games highlights their growth as a team.
Bucks’ New Look: Milwaukee’s trade for Kyle Kuzma adds another dimension to their offense.
As the NBA season heads into its final stretch, the Cavaliers are emerging as the team to beat, while the playoff picture in both conferences continues to take shape.
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