The Cavaliers turned a five-point first-quarter edge into a 68-53 halftime cushion by outscoring Brooklyn 33-23 in the second.
Brooklyn kept pace early, trailing 35-30 after the first quarter, but Cleveland seized control with a 33-23 second. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen lead the Cavaliers with 13 points apiece, while Donovan Mitchell has 10. Michael Porter Jr. has 13 for the Nets, but Brooklyn heads to the break down 15. After the break, watch whether the Nets can slow Cleveland’s frontcourt production and make a run at the deficit.
Key Performers
Evan Mobley, Cleveland: 13 points, 5 rebounds Jarrett Allen, Cleveland: 13 points, 3 rebounds Michael Porter Jr., Brooklyn: 13 points, 5 rebounds