Cavs Remain Undefeated, Hold Off Undermanned Philadelphia 76ers for 114-106 Win
The Cleveland Cavaliers extended their unbeaten streak to start the 2024-25 NBA season with a 114-106 victory over the undermanned Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Despite facing a 76ers team missing key players, including superstar Joel Embiid, the Cavs held off a late Philadelphia rally to secure their seventh consecutive win.
Cleveland’s strong team performance, led by a stellar offensive effort and timely defense, proved to be too much for the shorthanded 76ers. The Cavs have now firmly established themselves as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference early in the season, thanks to their depth, consistency, and continued development under head coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
Strong Offensive Showing for Cleveland
The Cavs’ offense was on display throughout the game, with several key players stepping up to fill the void left by their opponent’s depleted roster. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland’s star guard, was again the driving force, putting up 29 points while also contributing 7 assists and 4 rebounds. His ability to score from anywhere on the floor, combined with his leadership, played a major role in keeping the 76ers at bay.
Jarrett Allen also made his presence felt in the paint, finishing with a double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds. His defensive presence and rebounding were key in limiting Philadelphia’s second-chance opportunities. Evan Mobley, the talented young forward, chipped in with 18 points and 6 rebounds, continuing his strong start to the season. Mobley’s versatility both offensively and defensively has been a major factor in Cleveland’s success so far.
The Cavs also got significant contributions from their supporting cast. Caris LeVert added 14 points off the bench, providing a scoring spark when the starters needed rest. Cleveland’s overall balance in scoring and defensive effort was evident, as they shot 46% from the field and 35% from three-point range, maintaining control throughout the majority of the game.
Philadelphia Fights Without Key Players
While the 76ers were without Embiid, who is recovering from an injury, they still managed to make the game competitive thanks to strong performances from their remaining stars. Tyrese Maxey, the 76ers’ breakout guard, led the way for Philadelphia with 31 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds. Maxey’s offensive explosion, especially from beyond the arc, kept the 76ers within striking distance, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Cleveland’s balanced attack.
Tobias Harris also had a solid performance, contributing 22 points and 8 rebounds, but without Embiid to anchor the defense and provide scoring in the paint, the 76ers struggled to get consistent offensive production from their role players. Philadelphia shot 42% from the field and 32% from three, which was not enough to keep up with Cleveland’s offensive efficiency.
The 76ers showed heart, particularly in the fourth quarter when they mounted a push to close the gap. Philadelphia’s defense stepped up, forcing a few turnovers and generating quick transition points. However, the Cavs held steady, with Mitchell and Mobley stepping up when needed most to finish out the game.
Cleveland’s Defense Proves Critical
While Cleveland’s offense garnered much of the attention, the team’s defense was just as crucial in the win. The Cavs forced 15 turnovers, turning them into 18 points, and consistently disrupted Philadelphia’s offensive rhythm. Mobley’s shot-blocking ability was a key factor in limiting the 76ers’ inside scoring, while Allen provided strong rim protection throughout the game.
Cleveland’s defensive performance has been one of the hallmarks of their early success this season. The Cavs are ranked among the league leaders in defensive rating, and their ability to control the pace of the game and shut down opposing offenses has been vital in their undefeated start.
With the victory, the Cavs improve to 7-0, their best start to a season in years, and they continue to establish themselves as a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference. The team has shown impressive cohesion and depth, with every player contributing to the success.
The Cavs will look to keep their momentum going as they head into their next matchup, facing tougher competition in the coming weeks. With Mitchell playing at an All-Star level and Mobley continuing to develop into one of the best young players in the league, Cleveland is in an excellent position to make a deep playoff run this season.
For now, the focus will remain on maintaining their undefeated streak and continuing to build chemistry across the roster. With the team playing at such a high level on both ends of the floor, the Cavaliers are poised to be a force in the East for the rest of the season.
