Cavaliers Beat The 76ers 117-114: Game Recap 3/29/24

Post-Game Recap

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3 Key Factors Around the Victory

1 – MOBLEY!

With the Cavs down one and 28.0 left, Evan Mobley hit a huge three to put Cleveland up for good—a huge shot and moment for Mobley. 

2 – Welcome Back

Donovan Mitchell was back in the lineup for the Cavaliers on Friday night, scoring twelve points and eight assists.

3 – Niang

Georges Niang had a big night against his former club a team-high with 25 points including five for eight from three.

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Game Summary

Evan Mobley sank a crucial 3-pointer with 28.2 seconds remaining, putting the Cleveland Cavaliers ahead as Donovan Mitchell, returning from injury, sealed the win with two late free throws against the Philadelphia 76ers, clinching a 117-114 victory on Friday night before hitting the road.

Former Sixers player Georges Niang led the scoring for Cleveland with 25 points, while Mobley contributed 18 of his 20 points in the second half, aiding the Cavs to their second win in six games, overcoming their struggles without Mitchell.

Darius Garland added 14 points and 12 assists for the Cavaliers, who currently hold the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference.

The game was a back-and-forth affair, featuring 27 lead changes, with seven occurring in the fourth quarter.

Mitchell returned to action after missing six consecutive games, scoring 12 points in 32 minutes while wearing a protective mask.

For the Sixers, Kyle Lowry scored 23 points and Tobias Harris contributed 21, with the team clinging to a play-in spot as they await the return of Joel Embiid from injury.

In a critical moment, with the score at 113-112 in favor of the Sixers, Mobley’s 3-pointer from the corner gave Cleveland a two-point lead. Despite efforts from Philadelphia’s Mo Bamba, who split his free throws, Mitchell’s late free throws secured the win for the Cavaliers.

Although the Sixers had a final opportunity to tie the game, Tyrese Maxey missed a step-back 3-pointer, and the Cavaliers secured the rebound, ending Philadelphia’s chance at a comeback.

Maxey struggled shooting, finishing 7 of 26 from the field, including 2 of 12 from beyond the arc.

Cleveland faced challenges in Mitchell’s absence, as he had missed 15 of 20 games since the break due to injury. However, with his return, the team regained momentum despite his evident rustiness.

While Mitchell returned, the Sixers are eagerly awaiting the comeback of Joel Embiid, who has been sidelined since undergoing knee surgery on February 6. Coach Nick Nurse indicated Embiid’s progress and the expectation of his return for the playoffs.

During a timeout in the third quarter, Embiid, who was in street clothes on the bench, displayed his eagerness to return, borrowing the game ball and dribbling while both teams huddled.

Up Next

At Toronto Sunday Night.