The Cleveland Cavaliers showcased their resilience and offensive firepower in a thrilling 142-126 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night, a game that will be remembered for historic three-point shooting. Despite the Grizzlies tying the NBA single-game record with an astonishing 29 three-pointers, the Cavaliers mounted a comeback to secure their 50th win of the season.
Historic Shooting Performance by Memphis
Memphis put on a shooting clinic, going 29-for-59 from beyond the arc, which matched the NBA record previously set by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2020 and the Boston Celtics in 2024. Every player on the Grizzlies' roster contributed at least one three-pointer, with Adama Bal breaking the team's franchise record by hitting the 28th and 29th three-pointers late in the game. This remarkable effort, however, was not enough to overcome Cleveland's determined play.
Cleveland's Comeback and Key Contributions
Trailing by as many as 17 points in the first half, the Cavaliers ignited a 31-12 run to take a 68-64 lead at halftime. Evan Mobley was instrumental, scoring 24 points overall, while Dennis Schroder added 22 points and 11 assists. Jarrett Allen made his mark on defense, moving into eighth place in franchise history with 431 career blocks, highlighting Cleveland's interior dominance.
In the third quarter, the Cavaliers extended their lead with a 28-16 surge, building a 96-80 advantage. Sam Merrill contributed 21 points, including a crucial baseline jumper at the end of the quarter, while Keon Ellis added 19 points. Notably, Donovan Mitchell and James Harden were rested for this back-to-back game, but the team's depth shone through.
Other NBA Action: Nuggets Rally in Overtime
In another exciting matchup, the Denver Nuggets staged a dramatic comeback to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 137-132 in overtime. Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double with 35 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 assists, leading Denver to its ninth consecutive win and third place in the Western Conference. Jamal Murray scored 20 points, with seven coming in overtime, while Aaron Gordon added 23 points, including a key three-pointer to tie the game in regulation.
Portland, despite a franchise-record 25 three-pointers led by Toumani Camara's 30 points, saw its three-game winning streak end. The Trail Blazers built a 16-point lead in the fourth quarter but could not hold off Denver's late surge, highlighted by a 21-5 run.
Additional Game Results
Elsewhere in the NBA, the Orlando Magic defeated the Detroit Pistons 123-107, the New York Knicks edged the Atlanta Hawks 108-105, and the San Antonio Spurs beat the Philadelphia 76ers 115-102. These results continue to shape the playoff landscape as the regular season winds down.
The Cavaliers' victory not only marks their second straight 50-win season but also underscores their ability to overcome extraordinary challenges, setting the stage for a promising postseason run.
