Donovan Mitchell scored 29 points, Jarrett Allen added 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, and the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 110-98 on Wednesday night, bringing them closer to securing a playoff spot.
Mitchell, who’s been dealing with left knee soreness for a while, also contributed eight assists in just his 10th game since February 15. Despite some recent struggles, the Cavaliers currently hold the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference.
“It was important to step up tonight, and I felt good,” Mitchell commented, acknowledging his ongoing knee issues. “Rest is the best remedy for my knee, but we can’t afford that luxury right now. We need to adapt and push forward. I wanted to lead by example tonight.”
Cleveland can secure a top-six finish and secure their second consecutive playoff appearance with a win against Indiana on Friday or against Charlotte on Sunday. The team can also clinch if Philadelphia loses one of its remaining games.
“It’s a great chance for us to control our fate, especially with these home games coming up,” said Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff. “If we focus on what’s ahead of us, we’ll be in a good position.”
Darius Garland contributed 16 points and nine assists, while Evan Mobley had a double-double with 12 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocked shots. The Cavaliers were looking to bounce back after a tough loss against the Los Angeles Clippers.
“We need all three of these games, but we’re taking it one step at a time,” Garland said. “This team has a strong bond, so no matter what happens, we’ve got each other’s backs. That’s what makes it easy for us.”
Despite the loss, Memphis put up a fight, with Jake LaRavia scoring a career-high 32 points, including eight 3-pointers, and rookie GG Jackson II adding 22 points. The Grizzlies have been plagued by injuries this season, using a league-record 33 players.
“Our guys showed great resilience tonight,” commented Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins. “We’ve faced challenges all season, but our attitude has remained positive throughout.”
