The Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday boosted their NBA-best record with a 142-105 romp past the New York Knicks, tightening their grip on the Eastern Conference lead with an all-around dominant display.
Donovan Mitchell scored 27 points to lead six Cavs players to score in double figures, connecting on five of seven three-pointers as Cleveland drilled 19 from beyond the arc.
“I think the biggest thing was just try to set the tone early,” Mitchell said, adding that the determination to dominate had nothing to do with the Knicks’ first-round playoff win over the Cavs two seasons ago and everything to do with the fact that they could yet meet in this post-season.
Photo: Ken Blaze / Imagn Images
“For us, it’s about how do we continue to build and get better,” Mitchell said.
“So we’re trying to measure ourselves, continue to do what we’ve been doing,” he added.
Cleveland out-scored the Knicks 66-38 in the paint and held a 23-6 edge in fast-break points, pushing their lead to as many as 42 on the way to a sixth straight victory.
Photo: Ken Blaze / Imagn Images
Evan Mobley added 21 points and Jarrett Allen scored 10 before departing in the third quarter with an injury to his right hand.
Elsewhere on Friday, it was:
‧ Magic 104, Grizzlies 105
‧ Wizards 101, Bucks 104
‧ Raptors 111, Heat 120 (OT)
‧ Spurs 110, Pistons 125
‧ Mavericks 111, Pelicans 103
‧ Rockets 121, Timberwolves 115
‧ Kings 108, Warriors 132
‧ Jazz 107, Thunder 130
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