NBA roundup: Cavaliers stay unbeaten, Spurs ease past Kings in commanding win
Donovan Mitchell, aged 28, recorded 36 points as the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers staged another comeback to maintain their perfect start to the season, securing a 119-113 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Monday.
The Cavaliers, who previously overcame a 14-point deficit to defeat Brooklyn on Saturday, once again demonstrated resilience, rallying from a nine-point deficit in the third quarter to achieve a road win that elevates their record to 12-0 for the season.
Mitchell spearheaded a strong offensive display from Cleveland, which has emerged as a surprising contender this season and remains the only unbeaten team in the league.
Six players from Cleveland scored in double figures, with point guard Darius Garland contributing 17 points and Evan Mobley adding 15.
Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, and Ty Jerome each provided 12 points off the bench.
On the other hand, the Bulls lamented their missed opportunities after establishing an 85-76 lead with just over four minutes left in the third quarter.
Cleveland responded with a decisive 9-0 run to equalize and subsequently took a three-point lead into the fourth quarter, ultimately sealing the victory by outscoring Chicago 24-21 in the final period.
Zach LaVine was the leading scorer for Chicago with 26 points, while Coby White and Nikola Vucevic each contributed 20 points. The Bulls' record fell to 4-7 following this defeat.
"We dug deep," Mitchell remarked after the game. "Honestly, the bench saved us. The starters were a bit fatigued, and teams are coming at us. But we persevered, and credit goes to the bench for that. It was a collective effort.
"For us to continue to achieve our goals, that is what it will require. It was a complete team win... every night, someone different steps up. We are playing for one another, showing selflessness. We must keep this momentum going."
In other Monday matchups, French sensation Victor Wembanyama delivered an impressive performance with 34 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a commanding 116-96 victory over the Sacramento Kings.
Sacramento began the game with enthusiasm, establishing a 26-22 advantage by the end of the first quarter.
However, San Antonio seized control in the second quarter, scoring 38 points, which included seven three-pointers, allowing them to take a lead that they maintained for the remainder of the match.
All of San Antonio's starting players recorded double-digit points, with Julian Champagnie contributing 13 points and veteran Chris Paul adding 12.
In a contrasting matchup, the Oklahoma City Thunder rebounded from their home loss to Golden State on Sunday, achieving a hard-fought 134-128 victory against the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Thunder's previous defeat was further complicated by an unfortunate injury update regarding their promising young player, Chet Holmgren, who was diagnosed with a fractured pelvis after a fall during the game against the Warriors.
Despite this setback, the Thunder displayed resilience on Monday, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivering an outstanding performance, scoring 45 points.
Jalen Williams supported the effort with 28 points, while Luguentz Dort contributed 19.
In other Monday matchups, the Brooklyn Nets narrowly defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 107-105 on the road, and the Houston Rockets comfortably overcame the Washington Wizards with a score of 107-92.
SportsLigue