Cleveland, OH— Donovan Mitchell came back with a statement.
The All-Star guard buried eight 3-pointers and poured in a season-high 37 points, lifting the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 117–109 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday night at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Mitchell, who sat out Friday’s loss to Toronto with hamstring tightness, showed no rust. He shot 8-for-15 from beyond the arc, scored 24 of his points after halftime, and provided the energy Cleveland needed to bounce back at home.
The performance came in Mitchell’s 200th game as a Cavalier, during which the team has gone 139–61 with him on the floor.
Cavs Find Their Stroke
Cleveland (now 4–2) found its rhythm from deep, hitting 16 three-pointers overall. Rookie Jalen Tyson had a breakout night with 18 points and a career-best five 3s, while De’Andre Hunter matched him with 18. Evan Mobley added 14 points, including a clutch 3-pointer late to seal it.
The Cavaliers built a double-digit lead early in the fourth quarter, but Atlanta refused to go away. The Hawks (2–4) cut the margin to six at 106–100 with under 90 seconds left before Mobley’s timely long ball and a corner triple from Tyson put the game out of reach. Cleveland closed it out at the foul line.
Hawks Battle Without Young
Atlanta is learning to play without Trae Young, who is sidelined for at least a month after spraining his right MCL last week in Brooklyn.
In his absence, Jalen Johnson delivered another strong effort with 23 points and 13 rebounds, while Kristaps Porzingis added 15 points and 12 boards.
Coach Quin Snyder said before the game he was grateful Young’s injury wasn’t more severe. The team expects to reevaluate its star guard in roughly four weeks.
Sunday’s game capped a tough four-game road stretch for Atlanta, which stayed close throughout but never led after halftime.
Cavs Short-Handed but Steady
Cleveland was also missing key contributors. Jarrett Allen sat with a broken finger, Sam Merrill missed the game with a bruised hip, and guards Darius Garland (toe surgery) and Max Strus (foot surgery) have yet to play this season.
Despite the absences, the Cavaliers controlled the pace behind Mitchell’s hot hand and disciplined defense, holding the Hawks to just 42% shooting from the field.
Up Next:
Hawks: Return home to face the Orlando Magic on Tuesday.
Cavaliers: Continue their homestand Wednesday against the Philadelphia 76ers.
