NBA Roundup: Cavaliers extend winning start to 15-0, Timberwolves edge Suns

The Cleveland Cavaliers, competing without their leading scorer Donovan Mitchell, achieved a remarkable milestone on Sunday by equaling the second-best start to a season in NBA history, improving their record to 15-0 with a 128-114 triumph over the Charlotte Hornets.

Mitchell was given a night off for rest after contributing an average of 24.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists during the team's undefeated streak.

In his absence, the Cavaliers showcased a well-rounded offensive performance, with Darius Garland leading the way with 25 points and 12 assists. Ty Jerome added 24 points, Evan Mobley contributed 23 points along with 11 rebounds, and Jarrett Allen finished with 21 points and 15 rebounds.

"We've always got some fight in us no matter what," Garland stated. "Everybody is ready to play. It doesn't matter, one through 15."

"Everyone contributed. Each player played a significant role in this victory. That’s just who we are—a true team effort."

Under the guidance of new head coach Kenny Atkinson, the Cavaliers became the sixth team in NBA history to start a season with a 14-0 record.

Their victory over the Hornets positioned them as only the fourth team in NBA history to begin a season 15-0, joining the ranks of the 1948-49 Washington Capitols and the 1993-94 Houston Rockets for the second-best start.

They now trail only the record-setting 24-0 start established by the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors.

This winning streak marks the longest in the Cavaliers' 55-year franchise history, surpassing three previous runs of 13 consecutive wins during LeBron James's tenure in Cleveland.

In a losing effort, Charlotte's LaMelo Ball recorded 31 points and 12 assists.

In Oklahoma City, Dallas forward P.J. Washington led the Mavericks, who were without injured guard Luka Doncic, with 27 points and 17 rebounds, securing a narrow 121-119 victory over the Thunder.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the standout for Oklahoma City, scoring 36 points. He made a crucial 3-pointer, stole the ball from Kyrie Irving late in the game, and converted a free throw, but missed another attempt, while Luguentz Dort's last-second 3-point shot fell short.

Minnesota's Julius Randle made a 25-foot three-pointer at the final buzzer, securing a 120-117 win for the Timberwolves against Phoenix.

Anthony Edwards converted two crucial free throws to tie the game with 46 seconds left, paving the way for Randle's pivotal shot that capped his impressive 35-point performance, while Edwards concluded the game with 24 points.

Devin Booker was the standout for the Suns, scoring a remarkable 44 points.

Cade Cunningham of Detroit achieved a triple-double, contributing 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, leading the Pistons to a 124-104 victory over Washington. Jaden Ivey added 28 points, and Malik Beasley contributed 26 for Detroit.

In Denver, Nikola Jokic, the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player, was absent for personal reasons during the Nuggets' 105-90 defeat against Memphis, where Jaren Jackson led the Grizzlies with 20 points. Julian Strawther was the top scorer for Denver with 19 points.

In Indianapolis, Myles Turner recorded a season-high 34 points, guiding the Indiana Pacers to a 119-110 win over Miami, where Tyler Herro led the Heat with 28 points.

In Portland, Shaedon Sharpe intercepted the ball from Atlanta's Trae Young and made two decisive free throws, marking the final points of his game-high 32, securing a 114-109 victory for the Trail Blazers. Young was the leading scorer for the Hawks with 29 points.

Alperen Sengun, the Turkish center, achieved a triple-double with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, while Fred VanVleet contributed 28 points, guiding Houston to a 143-107 triumph over Chicago.

Karl-Anthony Towns led the New York Knicks to a 114-104 victory against the visiting Brooklyn Nets, scoring 26 points and securing 15 rebounds.

The Los Angeles Clippers secured a 116-105 win against the visiting Utah Jazz, with James Harden moving to second place on the all-time NBA 3-pointer list by making his 2,974th shot in the first quarter. Ivica Zubac was the standout for the Clippers with 22 points, while Harden added 20 points and 11 assists.

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