Despite Evan Mobley's withdrawal, Cleveland did not miss a new opportunity to assert its domination with the reception of the Suns, for a match controlled from start to finish to sign its 36th success of the season!
Phoenix created an illusion for a long quarter, with the Jones-Allen tandem present from afar to support the Beal-Booker-Durant trio, before collapsing in the face of the permanent aggressiveness of Kenny Atkinson's troops on both sides of the parquet.
Donovan Mitchell was the great architect of the first gap at the start of the second quarter with a 9-0 during which he was able to find Sam Merrill at 3-points before scoring three times (36-27). Alongside a still hyperactive Jarrett Allen, Darius Garland took over with two 3-point arrows before making Georges Niang shine in turn to increase the Cavaliers' lead to +14 just before the break (59- 45).
But the Suns were not at the end of their troubles as Cleveland restarted with a bang, this time inflicting an 11-0 to resume the second half! The series was initiated by Max Strus on two 3-point baskets then concluded by the inevitable Donovan Mitchell, this time embarrassing Phoenix (70-48).
Despite Grayson Allen's 3-pointer and the proud reaction of Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, Cleveland was able to maintain control, thanks to Jarrett Allen's precious offensive rebounds, and without neglecting the show like the alley-oop between Donovan Mitchell and the same Jarrett Allen (80-57). The momentum remained in favor of the locals until the end of the third quarter, between Georges Niang's 3-pointer in the corner and Donovan Mitchell's two to ensure Cleveland was 23 lengths ahead, one second behind the end of the period (93-70).
The leader of the Cavaliers did not stop there, going so far as to score 11 of his team's first 12 points to start the last act before leaving his place, to watch his team's 118-92 success from the bench.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– A gap class. Arriving halfway through the season, the difference becomes obvious between groups confident in their strengths, who know how to increase their collective power, and those who are still looking for themselves. The difference on this point between Cleveland and Phoenix was glaring. The Cavaliers played their basketball without a hitch, relying on the qualities of each person to increase the gap. On the other hand, it is still difficult to see the Budenholzer touch, who has nevertheless proven in the past his ability to develop a real collective playing identity. After 42 games, Phoenix still relies too much on the talent of its individuals rather than on real collective strength.
– Three runs to eclipse the Suns. Phoenix will be able to regret its repeated failed starts, which allowed Cleveland to build its lead, between the 9-0 which created the first gap at the start of the second quarter, the 11-0 to start the second well. halftime and finally the 11-0 passed between the end of the third and the start of the fourth quarter.
– Donovan Mitchell in “Black Mamba” mode. The Cavaliers guard was there for “MLK Day” by delivering another top performance. As a leader, he was the one who carried the attacks of his team throughout the match, with a special mention for his end of the third quarter punctuated by two 3-point baskets full of composure to finish off opposing hopes. His 3-pointer in the corner one second from the buzzer was reminiscent of Kobe Bryant's gestures. It was at this moment that “Spida” undoubtedly folded the match, and it was also at this moment that he found himself at 24 points, with a +/- of +24… Even if the difference was done, the former Jazz player played his part to the end to finish with 33 points in barely 30 minutes on the floor.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
