A thrilling NBA encounter unfolded on January 2, 2026, as the Cleveland Cavaliers faced off against the Denver Nuggets. The game, a nail-biter from start to finish, ended with a 113-108 victory for the Cavaliers.
Led by Donovan Mitchell's 33-point performance and Darius Garland's all-around brilliance (18 points, 8 assists), the Cavaliers showcased their depth and resilience. De'Andre Hunter and Jarrett Allen also made significant contributions, with Hunter adding 16 points and Allen grabbing 12 rebounds.
But here's where it gets controversial: the Nuggets were without their superstar center, Nikola Jokic, who suffered a hyperextended left knee injury in Miami on December 29. Jokic, a three-time MVP, was sorely missed as the Nuggets struggled to match the Cavaliers' intensity and depth.
Jamal Murray, who scored 28 of his 34 points in the first half, kept the Nuggets in the game. However, the absence of key starters like Aaron Gordon, Cam Johnson, Christian Braun, and Jonas Valanciunas proved costly.
The Cavaliers took full advantage, dominating the rebounding battle 55-32. Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley had a solid performance with 11 rebounds and 3 blocks, but his struggles from the free-throw line (0-5) were a concern.
This game also marked a rare occasion for the Cavaliers, with Mitchell, Garland, Mobley, and Allen starting together for just the seventh time this season. Their chemistry and synergy were evident as they secured their fifth win in this lineup configuration.
And this is the part most people miss: the Cavaliers have played an NBA-high 21 home games this season, showcasing their dominance on their home court. They've won 13 of those games at Rocket Arena, a testament to their strong home-court advantage.
In other news, Lonzo Ball made his return to action after a three-game absence, scoring 6 points in 15 minutes. His replacement, Craig Porter Jr., had a solid performance with 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.
As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on their performances. The Nuggets will aim to bounce back when they visit Brooklyn on Sunday, while the Cavaliers host Detroit, looking to continue their home-court dominance.
