It’s safe to say the Cleveland Cavs’ Christmas Day hangover is in the rearview after two impressive wins against the Phoenix Suns and the San Antonio Spurs to close out the calendar year. The Cavs followed up their 113-101 victory against the Spurs with a 129-113 win against the Suns on New Year’s Eve.
Donovan Mitchell’s 34 points led six Cavs players in double figures, including Darius Garland (19 points), and Jaylon Tyson, whose 18 points led the bench. Evan Mobley (16 points, 10 rebounds) and Jarrett Allen (16 points, 11 rebounds) both recorded double-doubles.
Since a 117-100 blowout loss to the Houston Rockets on Christmas Day, the Cavs seem to have found their focus. Cleveland improved to 19-16 on the season
Kenny Atkinson baffled by Cavs’ Christmas hangover’
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
The Cavs lacked effort in their 17-point loss to the Rockets on Christmas Day. While some wondered if the lackluster season would lead to Kenny Atkinson’s job being on the line, according to a new report.
Atkinson says he could feel the Cavs’ demise in the first quarter against the Rockets.
“I rarely say this, but I thought the game was over in the first quarter,” Atkinson said. “Their physicality, we weren’t ready for the fight. I don’t know how else to say it. Encouraged after the Knicks’ game because we were ready for the fight, but [Saturday], call it what you want. Christmas hangover? I have no idea. It’s hard for me to [describe]. It wasn’t the same team that played the other night against the Knicks.”
The Cavs will look to make it three in a row when they host the Nuggets on Friday.