The Cleveland Cavaliers extended their winning streak to five games Thursday night with a commanding 110-97 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, cementing their status as the NBA’s hottest team heading into the final stretch of the season.
Historic Defensive Performance
Center Jarrett Allen delivered a career-defining performance with 16 points and a staggering 20 rebounds – his highest total this season – while shooting 89% from the field. This marks Allen’s sixth consecutive double-double, averaging 13 points and 14.3 rebounds during this dominant stretch.
Mitchell Leads Offensive Charge
Star guard Donovan Mitchell powered the offense with 26 points despite shooting struggles (8-21 FG), demonstrating his ability to impact games through relentless aggression. Backcourt partner Darius Garland flirted with a double-double (18 points, 9 assists) while locking down defensively with three steals.
Key Returns Boost Depth
- Isaac Okoro returned after 14-game absence (shoulder)
- Dean Wade expected back Friday vs Knicks after 11-game knee injury
- Ty Jerome played limited minutes following calf strain recovery
Eastern Conference Standings Implications
| Team | Record | Streak |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland | 45-10 | W5 |
| Indiana | 31-23 | W2 |
| Milwaukee | 30-24 | W2 |
The Cavaliers now hold an incredible 14-game lead in the Central Division while maintaining the NBA’s best record. Their recent dominance includes:
- +13.2 average margin of victory during win streak
- #1 ranked defense (103.8 rating)
- 7-1 record since All-Star break
What’s Next?
Cleveland faces a critical back-to-back against New York (Friday) and Memphis (Sunday) before a marquee matchup with Boston on February 28. With key players returning healthy and Javonte Green joining via buyout, the Cavaliers appear primed for their first championship run since 2016.
