NBA roundup: Cavs improve to 17-1 with win over Toronto, Miami heats up in OT victory

Donovan Mitchell (28) and reserve Ty Jerome (27) each contributed 26 points, leading the NBA-leading Cleveland Cavaliers to a 122-108 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, while both Boston and Miami secured close wins.

Jarrett Allen recorded 23 points and 13 rebounds for the Cavaliers, who now hold a remarkable 17-1 record for the season. Gradey Dick and Scottie Barnes each tallied 18 points for the Raptors.

The Cavaliers commenced the season with an impressive 15-0 record before suffering a narrow defeat of 120-117 against Boston last Tuesday. However, Cleveland quickly rebounded with a win over New Orleans the following night and continued their strong performance against Toronto, maintaining an undefeated home record of 10-0.

"It's a unique environment to play in, and we can feel that energy on the court," Mitchell remarked. "The atmosphere is always electric when we compete here, and it is reassuring to return knowing we will receive a warm welcome every time."

In Boston, Jaylen Brown contributed 29 points while Jayson Tatum added 26, guiding the defending champion Celtics to a narrow victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, finishing 107-105.

"It was a commendable effort on both sides of the court," remarked Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla.

"It was a fantastic team victory. I appreciated our continuous communication. Our defensive intensity and our focus on obtaining quality shots were crucial to our success."

With this win, the Celtics improved their record to 14-3, placing them second in the NBA, just behind Cleveland, and extended their winning streak to five games.

Brown's three-pointer established a 107-102 lead for the Celtics with 1:16 left on the clock. Julius Randle responded with a layup and a free throw, but the Timberwolves (8-8) were unable to equalize with Boston (14-3) before the final whistle.

For Minnesota, Anthony Edwards recorded 28 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, while Randle contributed 23 points and Rudy Gobert secured 20 rebounds.

In Miami, Jimmy Butler led the Miami Heat to a 123-118 overtime victory against the Dallas Mavericks, scoring 33 points, collecting nine rebounds, and providing six assists.

Butler's dunk with 4.1 seconds left in regulation tied the game at 114-114, forcing overtime.

Bam Adebayo's three-pointer gave Miami a lead they would not relinquish, followed by Butler's layup, which extended the lead to 122-118 with 98 seconds remaining in overtime. Alec Burks capped off the victory with a free throw.

Adebayo finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Tyler Herro added 18 points and 11 rebounds for the Heat.

Kyrie Irving was the top scorer for the Mavericks with 27 points.

In Philadelphia, former 76er James Harden led the Los Angeles Clippers to a decisive 125-99 win over the host Sixers, scoring a game-high 23 points.

In Indianapolis, Pascal Siakam scored 22 points and Tyrese Haliburton added 21, leading the Indiana Pacers to a 115-103 victory over the struggling Washington Wizards, thus ending a three-game losing streak.

In Sacramento, Cam Thomas of the Brooklyn Nets scored a game-high 34 points, helping the Nets secure a 108-103 win against the Kings.

SportsLigue