Cavaliers Top Blazers in Overtime, Extend Winning Streak to 10 Games

CLEVELAND, Ohio (AP) — De’Andre Hunter scored 32 points and sank a go-ahead 3-pointer with 30 seconds remaining in overtime, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 133-129 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday. The win extended the Cavaliers’ winning streak to 10 games and marked their 50th victory of the season, the first NBA team to reach that milestone.

Cleveland, which had been down by 18 points in the third quarter, rallied to secure its 14th win in its last 15 games. The team managed this feat without All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, who received a planned rest day.

Ty Jerome contributed significantly with 25 points, and Evan Mobley added 20 for the Cavaliers, who came into the game energized from their previous emotional win on Friday against the Boston Celtics, during which they erased a 22-point deficit.

On the opposing side, Deni Avdija‘s performance for Portland stood out as he recorded a triple-double — his first in the NBA — with 30 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. Anfernee Simons also played a crucial role, scoring 27 points for the Trail Blazers.

In a tense finish, Simons hit a 3-pointer with 44 seconds to go in overtime, temporarily giving the Blazers a 129-128 lead. However, Hunter then made his pivotal shot, showcasing his impact since being acquired by Cleveland at the trade deadline.

Avdija missed a crucial 3-pointer in the closing seconds, allowing Hunter to seal the victory by sinking two free throws, which improved the Cavaliers’ home record to 28-4.

After the game, Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged the challenging schedule ahead, with 16 games in 29 days in March, emphasizing the need for strategic player rest as playoffs approach.

In a related note, the Blazers provided a strong challenge against the top team in the NBA, despite ultimately falling short. Their performance was regarded as a positive takeaway.

Next up, the Trail Blazers will face the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, while the Cavaliers are set to take on the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday.