The Cleveland Cavaliers made history on Saturday night by rallying to defeat the Brooklyn Nets 105-100 and becoming the 12th team in NBA history to start a season with an 11-0 record. Evan Mobley led the charge with an impressive performance, recording 23 points and 16 rebounds, while Donovan Mitchell contributed 22 points to secure the victory.
Despite trailing by 14 points late in the third quarter, the Cavaliers mounted a comeback, with Darius Garland stepping up in the fourth quarter to score eight of his 20 points. Garland's crucial free throws put Cleveland ahead for good at 97-96, sealing the win.
The Golden State Warriors hold the league record for the best season start, winning their first 24 games in the 2015-16 season. However, the Cavaliers managed to outlast the Nets and maintain their perfect record.
Cam Johnson led the Nets with 23 points, supported by Dennis Schroder and Cam Thomas who each scored 22 points. Brooklyn fought back after trailing by 15 points in the second quarter, but Cleveland's strong defense limited them to a season-low 13 points in the third quarter.
Notably, the Cavaliers' streak of scoring over 110 points in each game came to an end, marking a significant milestone in their season. The team had set an NBA record by achieving this feat in their first 10 wins.
In the post-game analysis, it was highlighted that the Cavaliers' efficient offense in the fourth quarter, where they made 14 of 18 shots, was a key factor in securing the victory. Coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged the significance of facing his former team, the Nets, and the players responded with a determined performance.
Looking ahead, the Cavaliers are now just two wins away from matching their franchise's longest winning streak of 13 games. With upcoming matchups against tough opponents like the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland aims to continue their impressive run.
The Brooklyn Nets will conclude their three-game road trip with a game against the New Orleans Pelicans, while the Cavaliers will face the Chicago Bulls in their next outing.
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