CLEVELAND — In a commanding performance on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Donovan Mitchell led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 118-92 victory over the Phoenix Suns, scoring a total of 33 points, with 23 of those coming in the second half. Darius Garland also contributed significantly, adding 16 points to help the Cavs secure their place as one of the top teams in the league, as they continue to impress with their play this season.

With this win, Cleveland improved their stellar record to 36-6, which is tied for the eighth-best start in NBA history. They are now 21-2 at home and boast a remarkable 13-1 record against teams from the Western Conference, showcasing their dominance on the floor. Despite missing three key rotational players, including forwards Evan Mobley (calf), Isaac Okoro (shoulder), and guard Caris LeVert (wrist), the Cavaliers managed to control the game against the Suns.

For the Suns, Kevin Durant was the leading scorer with 23 points, while Devin Booker, who usually averages more, managed to put up only 15 points along with six turnovers. Bradley Beal made a return after sitting out for two games due to an ankle sprain but struggled to make an impact, finishing with just five points in 25 minutes of play.

In terms of performance, Booker had a tough day, failing to score 30 points for the first time in six outings, while the Cavaliers felt the absence of Mobley, who typically contributes 18.8 points and 8.6 rebounds, as well as significant defensive strength. Jarrett Allen stepped up with 12 points, while backup Tristan Thompson achieved a season-high with 10 rebounds during his 26 minutes on the court.

A pivotal moment in the game came during the third quarter when Mitchell hit two consecutive three-point shots within the final 36 seconds, boosting Cleveland’s lead to 93-70 and effectively putting the game out of reach. Additionally, Garland’s first three-pointer marked a milestone, as it was the 803rd of his career, moving him ahead of Mark Price on the Cavaliers’ all-time list. Only LeBron James and Kevin Love have made more three-pointers in team history.

Looking ahead, the Suns are set to visit Brooklyn for their next game on Wednesday, while the Cavaliers will take on the Houston Rockets that same night. Cleveland has opted to travel a day earlier to manage the potential winter storm expected to impact Texas.