All-Stars Evan Mobley, Donovan Mitchell pace Cavs to 128-107 win over slow-starting Timberwolves
CLEVELAND, OH – Evan Mobley poured in 28 points and Donovan Mitchell, another All-Star, added 23 as the Cleveland Cavaliers surged to a commanding early lead, cruising past the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-107 on Monday night.
The Cavs, leading the Eastern Conference, started the game with a dominant 16-0 run. They also introduced their new acquisition, De’Andre Hunter, who played a key role in their performance. With the win, Cleveland improved to an impressive 25-4 record at home.
Hunter, who joined the Cavs from Atlanta last week, is expected to provide much-needed wing defense heading into the playoffs. In his Cleveland debut, he replaced the injured Max Strus in the starting lineup and contributed 12 points in 23 minutes.
Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 44 points, but Minnesota struggled from the start. They missed their first 16 shots and only managed to score 12 points in the opening quarter. Hunter’s first basket for the Cavs, a 3-pointer, gave Cleveland a commanding 40-16 lead early in the second. From that point on, Minnesota never got closer than 15 points.
Mitchell was efficient, shooting 10-of-14 from the field, adding 8 assists. Cleveland’s Jarrett Allen recorded a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds.
In a separate development, an arbitration panel ruled that Minnesota’s controlling owner, Glen Taylor, must relinquish control of the team to Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez, who had agreed to buy the Timberwolves for $1.5 billion three years ago.
The Timberwolves’ slow start, including their first five points coming from free throws, was a major setback. They finally found their rhythm when Edwards hit a 3-pointer with 2:54 left in the first quarter.
Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson is excited about the versatility Hunter brings, whether starting or coming off the bench.
Next, the Timberwolves will host Milwaukee on Wednesday, while the Cavaliers travel to Toronto for their final game before the All-Star break.
