1 – Scoring Cavs
Cleveland scored 129 on Tuesday night, thanks in large part to hot shooting: 54% from the floor, 16 for 39 from deep, and 21 for 24 from the free throw line.
2 – Rebounds
After the Cavs’ horrible performance on the boards on Sunday, they won the rebounding edge over the Jazz 41 to 33.
3 – Welcome Home
It was a big homecoming for Salt Lake City native Sam Merrill, who scored 18 points and made six of 12 from deep.
On Tuesday night, the Cleveland Cavaliers secured a decisive 129-113 victory over the Utah Jazz, powered by standout performances from Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen. LeVert filled in admirably for the injured Donovan Mitchell, racking up 26 points, while Allen dominated with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Evan Mobley contributed 21 points to the win, supported by a stellar showing from reserve Sam Merrill, who nailed 18 points on six three-pointers.
Cleveland capitalized on Utah’s mistakes, scoring 26 points off 20 turnovers and leading from start to finish, breaking a four-game road losing streak in the process. Brice Sensabaugh shone for Utah with 22 points, matching his season high, while Collin Sexton and Taylor Hendricks added 19 and 18 points respectively.
Utah, missing key starters Lauri Markkanen and John Collins, suffered their tenth consecutive loss, compounded by reserve center Walker Kessler’s second-half absence due to a nasal fracture.
Cleveland set the tone early, hitting their first seven shots and establishing a commanding 23-9 lead midway through the first quarter. They maintained their offensive prowess, shooting 68% from the field in the opening quarter and tallying 40 points. The Cavaliers’ ball movement was impeccable, registering 13 assists on 15 field goals.
Despite a brief resurgence from Utah, narrowing the deficit to 50-45, Cleveland responded emphatically. Allen and Mobley fueled a 17-2 run, highlighted by thunderous dunks, to stretch their halftime lead to 67-47.
Cleveland visits the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday.
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