The Cleveland Cavaliers secured an impressive 126-114 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, riding a remarkable 3-point shooting performance that overshadowed a historic triple-double by Denver’s Nikola Jokic. The Serbian star moved up to No. 3 on the all-time triple-double list, surpassing Magic Johnson with a stellar performance of 27 points, 20 rebounds, and 11 assists, yet his efforts weren’t enough to overcome Cleveland’s offensive onslaught.
Jokic’s Historic Milestone
Nikola Jokic notched his 139th career triple-double, a milestone that solidifies his place among the NBA’s all-time greats. His performance included his second 20-point, 20-rebound triple-double of the season, showcasing his dominance on both ends of the court. Jokic’s play continues to set a high standard for big men in the league, but the lack of support from Denver’s perimeter shooters highlighted a significant challenge for the reigning champions.
Cleveland’s 3-Point Prowess
The Cavaliers delivered a shooting clinic from beyond the arc, hitting 22 of their 48 attempts for an impressive 45.8 percent conversion rate. Led by Donovan Mitchell’s 28 points and 6-of-10 shooting from deep, Cleveland’s perimeter game dictated the pace of the match. Mitchell’s clutch 3-pointer in the fourth quarter, following a Denver run, effectively sealed the victory for the Cavaliers.
Darius Garland added 24 points and contributed four assists, further underscoring Cleveland’s well-rounded offensive display. While Garland’s 3-point shooting wasn’t as efficient (3-for-10), his ability to attack the rim and create opportunities for teammates kept the Nuggets’ defense on their heels.
THURSDAY’S FINAL SCORES
Donovan Mitchell drops 28 and the @cavs are the first team to reach 20 wins this season!
Darius Garland: 24 PTS, 4 AST
Caris LeVert: 21 PTS, 6 AST
Evan Mobley: 20 PTS, 9 REB, 4 AST, 3 STL pic.twitter.com/HXN5t7796R— NBA (@NBA) December 6, 2024
Caris LeVert proved to be a key contributor off the bench, scoring 21 points and hitting five of six attempts from long range. LeVert’s timely 3-pointers and his six assists were pivotal in thwarting Denver’s comeback efforts. Evan Mobley also stepped up with a solid all-around game, recording 20 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and three steals, while shooting 3-for-5 from beyond the arc.
Nuggets’ Struggles from Deep
Denver’s inability to match Cleveland’s 3-point shooting was a glaring weakness in the game. The Nuggets shot a dismal 6-for-24 (25 percent) from downtown, making it difficult to keep pace with the Cavaliers’ offensive fireworks. Michael Porter Jr. led Denver’s scoring efforts with 24 points, including some key baskets during a late fourth-quarter run, but he lacked consistency from beyond the arc.
Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray contributed 18 and 19 points, respectively, while Russell Westbrook and Christian Braun added 10 points each. Despite their contributions, the Nuggets’ inability to stretch the floor with perimeter shooting ultimately cost them the game.
Key Moments and Turning Points
The Cavaliers took control early and never looked back, maintaining a nearly wire-to-wire lead. The team’s 3-point barrage began in the first quarter, with Mitchell, Garland, and LeVert setting the tone. Cleveland built an 18-point lead in the second half, showcasing their offensive depth and defensive resilience.
In the fourth quarter, Denver mounted a 7-0 run to cut the deficit to single digits, but LeVert’s and Mitchell’s back-to-back 3-pointers extinguished any hope of a Nuggets comeback. These pivotal plays underscored Cleveland’s ability to execute in clutch moments, a hallmark of a team with playoff aspirations.
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Defensive Contributions and Rebounding Battle
While the Cavaliers’ offense stole the show, their defensive efforts were equally commendable. Jarrett Allen anchored the interior defense, grabbing 15 rebounds and dishing out six assists. His presence in the paint helped limit Denver’s second-chance opportunities and provided stability on the defensive end.
Evan Mobley’s versatility shone through, as he contributed on both ends of the floor with steals, rebounds, and timely scoring. The Cavaliers out-rebounded the Nuggets, 46-41, which proved critical in securing extra possessions and controlling the tempo of the game.
Implications for Both Teams
The win pushes the Cavaliers closer to the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference standings, demonstrating their potential as a legitimate playoff contender. Cleveland’s ability to combine explosive offense with solid defense makes them a dangerous opponent for any team.
For the Nuggets, the loss exposes a need to address their perimeter shooting inconsistency, especially in high-stakes games. While Jokic continues to dominate, Denver must find ways to provide more offensive support around their superstar to defend their championship status effectively.
Looking Ahead
The Cavaliers will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next matchup, with an emphasis on maintaining their 3-point accuracy and defensive intensity. For the Nuggets, bouncing back from this defeat will require addressing their shooting woes and finding more reliable scoring options outside of Jokic and Porter Jr.
As the season progresses, this game serves as a reminder of the importance of 3-point shooting and team depth in the modern NBA. The Cavaliers’ triumph over the Nuggets underscores their potential to compete at the highest level, while Denver must regroup and adapt to remain a force in the Western Conference.
