Donovan Mitchell scored 27 points and Sam Merrill tied his season high with 22 points and made six 3-pointers as the Cleveland Cavaliers pulled away for a 141-118 victory over the visiting New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday.
Cleveland, which has scored at least 30 points in six consecutive quarters, had nine players reach double digits in points for the second time in franchise history.
Jaylon Tyson scored 18 points, Thomas Bryant had 15 points and Jarrett Allen logged 14 points and nine rebounds for the Cavaliers, who won consecutive games for the first time since Nov. 21-23.
Cleveland’s Craig Porter Jr. collected 12 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, Dean Wade put up 11 points, Darius Garland added 10 points and eight assists, and De’Andre Hunter also registered 10 points.
Zion Williamson scored 26 points in 21 minutes off the bench for the Pelicans, who had their season-best winning streak snapped at five games. Rookie Derik Queen posted 19 of his 21 points in the second half, while Trey Murphy III chipped in 14 points. Jeremiah Fears and Saddiq Bey each recorded 11 points.
The Cavaliers poured in 72 points in the second half, taking their largest lead at 137-109 with 3:15 remaining.
Both teams completed back-to-back sets after winning on Monday. The Cavaliers beat the visiting Charlotte Hornets 139-132, while the host Pelicans knocked off the Dallas Mavericks 119-113.
A three-point play by Bryant gave Cleveland its largest lead of the first half at 41-23, but Williamson had eight points as New Orleans answered with a 33-18 run. The Cavaliers went into the break ahead 69-60, Merrill and Williamson each had 14 first-half points.
Tyson scored seven points and Wade made a pair of 3-pointers in the first period, helping the Cavaliers build a 32-22 advantage. Bey had six points for the Pelicans, who fell behind by 13 before closing the gap.
New Orleans guards Herbert Jones (right ankle sprain) and Jordan Poole (left ankle soreness) were not in uniform after getting hurt against Dallas. Cleveland guard Lonzo Ball (left knee soreness) doesn’t play on consecutive days.
–Field Level Media
