Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley defend for the Kings

THE Cavaliers suffered, but the Cavaliers provided the most fundamental at home against Kings (123-118), securing their fourth win in five matches, while inflicting their fourth consecutive defeat on their evening opponents.

Thanks to the excellent Donovan Mitchell (33 points, 8 assists) et Evan Mobley (29 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 blocks), Cleveland was able to resist Sacramentosurprisingly worn by his substitutes, Domantas Sabonis (24 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists) i Dennis Schroder (21 points).

It must be said that Doug Christie, after only 3 minutes and 30 minutes of play, had seen enough of his starters, a little worried on defense, upside down on offense and therefore logically trailing 16-2. Then with their bench, the Kings were able to gather again, the Schroeder/Sabonis tandem was causing misery to the Cavaliers, also with Malik Monk, while Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley tried to answer as best they could (35-35).

The relationship between the two teams then lasted until the third quarter (82-82). A moment Cleveland chose to pick up the pace. Still with their Mitchell/Mobley duo, unstoppable from long range for one and especially up close for the other, an 18-7 start should allow the final act to be carried out calmly (100-89).

Only the trio of Schroeder – Monk – Sabonis restarted the California machine, looking to make a run as soon as possible, and the gap was reduced to one possession, taking advantage of several opposing gifts. Before Sacramento regained control, thanks to a good pass by DeMar DeRozan (114-113).

Confused, but not stunned, the Cavaliers therefore used the recipe that has worked best for them so far: the ball in the hands of Donovan Mitchell on offense and the distraction of Evan Mobley on defense. Enough to end the game 10-4, the Kings failed to channel the two All-Stars. As during the entire match.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Cleveland could count on its strong men. Still without Darius Garland, the Cavaliers badly needed their All-Stars, Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, to get the job done tonight. Because even if Jaylon Tyson and Jarrett Allen also played their part in this success, it was nothing compared to the pressure-worthy contributions of the Mitchell/Mobley duo. Especially on this counter from Mobley to 114-113 Kings, followed by 5 points from Mitchell, to make the score 118-114 Cavs. In defense as well as in attack, two players were huge in showing the way to their team, involved in a trap encounter.

Sacramento led by its bench. It took less than four minutes for Doug Christie to realize his starters weren’t having a good night. 16-2 sent the Kings straight to the ropes and their coach simply decided to change his whole five! And it was the California replacements that brought the franchise back, behind the trio of Dennis Schroeder – Malik Monk – Domantas Sabonis. It was also an opportunity for Sabonis to sign his best match since returning from injury (much to the chagrin of Maxime Raynaud). But 73 points off the bench was not enough.

Dennis Schroeder invited the audience. While trying to intercept the throw-in before halftime, Dennis Schroeder landed on the stand and elbowed a spectator sitting in the first row. He immediately inquired about her health and it took her a few seconds to recover before finally being able to watch the second period for her. With a potentially small bump as a souvenir.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = point difference when the player is on the court; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.