BROOKLYN, NY- A sold out Barclays Center was left to disappear as Cleveland Cavaliers Donovan Mitchell hit a 27 foot three pointer in the final seconds of the game to secure the 114-113 win in the season's opener. It was their first road season opening win since 2000.
The Cavs came to Barclays Center ready to play, out scoring the Nets 37-32 in the first quarter of action. The Cavs came out shooting 55% from three in the first quarter along with 65% from the field. Max Strus, a new addition to Cleveland, went 2-for-4 from three in the first quarter. The Cavs out rebounded the Nets 12 to 11 and had three blocks and one steal.
The Nets capitalized on the Cavs' mistakes. The Nets converted 7-of-10 free throws to help keep the game close. Cameron Thomas put up 14 points in the first quarter leading all scorers.
The Nets were able to shift momentum and take the lead for the first time with 1:42 left in the second quarter on a jumper from Cam Thomas. The Cavs and Nets went back and forth with the lead before tying 63-63 at half time.
Coming out of the half, Cavs Max Strus hit two 26 foot three pointers to gain a six point lead. The momentum shifted in the Cavs favor as they held the lead all throughout the third quarter. The game was 90-87 going into the fourth. The Nets were able to make up for the mistakes on offense by out rebounding the Cavs to keep the game even. Cleveland continued shooting from deep , going 3-for-10.
Evan Mobley, and Isaac Okoro anchored down the Cavs defense all game while Darius Garland was able to facilitate the court. The team had 10 steals and six blocks that led to multiple scores. The Cavs gave up 23 fouls compared to the Nets 16. The Nets were able to capitalize on that and go 20-for-26 from the line.
The Cavs and Nets went back and forth all fourth quarter before Donovan Mitchell had the final say. Max Strus and Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 27 pts each. Mitchell tallied on another five assists, six rebounds and four steals. Strus added 12 rebounds and two assists. The Cavs shot 46.8% from the field and 39.5% from deep compared to Brooklyns 50% from the field and 33.3% from deep. Cameron Thomas led all players on the night with a game high 36 points shooting 62% from the field, 40% from deep and 73% from the free throw line.
The Cavaliers will look to start the season off on a win streak as they take on the Oklahoma City Thunder at home on Friday. Tip off will take place at Rocket Field Mortgage FieldHouse at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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