The Cleveland Cavaliers recently concluded an impressive 12-game win streak that highlighted their growth as a team and solidified their status as contenders in the Eastern Conference. The streak, which ended with a tough loss to the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night, was filled with memorable moments, including a thrilling victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder and Darius Garland being named Eastern Conference Player of the Week.
A Streak to Remember
Cleveland’s 12-game run featured dominant performances and exceptional shooting. 10 of their 12 wins were by a margin of 10+ points, with three of those victories coming by 20+ points. The Cavaliers were an offensive powerhouse over the stretch as they continue to post the league’s highest offensive rating at 121.2—an impressive 5.6 points higher than the second-place Boston Celtics. They shot 50.2% from the field and an outstanding 40.1% from beyond the arc over the span, earning the attention and respect from NBA fans and the national media.
The high point of the streak came in their January 8th matchup against the then 30-5 Oklahoma City Thunder. In a playoff-like atmosphere in Cleveland, the Cavaliers secured a hard-fought victory in what became an instant classic. The game featured the season’s only quarter in which both teams scored 40 points, setting the stage for an intense battle. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen were pivotal, combining for 46 points, 21 rebounds, and 13 assists. Darius Garland added 18 points, including the game-sealing layup, to cap off a thrilling performance. With the rematch set for this Thursday, all eyes will be on these two powerhouses once again.
Darius Garland was a standout during the streak, averaging 26.0 points and 7.7 assists while shooting 40.9% from three-point range over the past week. His best performance came in a 40-point, 9-assist game against the Toronto Raptors, prompting head coach Kenny Atkinson to remark that the Cavaliers hadn’t relied on a single player as much all season. Garland’s efforts earned him Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors—the third such award of his career—as he continues to make a strong case for an All-Star selection this season.
Setback in Indiana
Following the sloppy victory over the Raptors, the streak came to an end against the Pacers, with Atkinson voicing concerns about the team’s recent defensive effort. Cleveland fell 108-93 after a lackluster third quarter and a steep drop-off in shooting efficiency (39/26/88 splits). While the loss was disappointing, it marked only the team’s fifth of the season and highlighted some correctable flaws on the defensive end.
The Cavaliers won’t have to wait long for a chance at redemption, as they face the Pacers again on TNT this Tuesday. With a challenging schedule ahead—featuring matchups against OKC, MIN, PHX, and HOU—Cleveland remains focused on building upon the momentum and lessons from their remarkable streak.
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