Garland, Cavs rally vs. Nets for 2nd 15-game winning streak this season
The Cleveland Cavaliers battled back from an 18-point third-quarter deficit to defeat the Brooklyn Nets 109-104 and secure their second 15-game winning streak of the season.
All-Star Darius Garland led the shorthanded Cavs with 30 points on 11-of-24 shooting, 18 of which came in the final frame. Jarrett Allen added 23 points and 13 rebounds, while Evan Mobley contributed 21 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.
Donovan Mitchell, De'Andre Hunter, and Ty Jerome all missed out for the hosts due to injuries.
Cam Thomas led the visitors with 27 points on 10-of-22 shooting. Cameron Johnson chipped in with 17 points for the 22-43 Nets.
Veteran guard D’Angelo Russell sat out the second game of the back-to-back set due to right ankle injury management.
The Cavs also started the season on a 15-0 winning run, and they also won 12 straight in December and January. Their worst losing streak of the campaign was a three-game blip in late January.
They are just the sixth team in NBA history to record multiple win streaks of 15 games or better in a season.
Cleveland has now clinched the Central Division title for the eighth time in the franchise's 55-year history. Six of those came during LeBron James’ two spells with the team.
Kenny Atkinson's side now owns a 54-10 record and sits eight games up on the Boston Celtics for the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
The Cavs will have a chance to achieve a franchise-record 16 victories in a row when they face the Memphis Grizzlies on the road Friday.