By Keisha Martinez
The Cavaliers are still undefeated running their win streak to 14 games to start the season, blowing past the Bulls, 144-126, Friday Night at home.
In their first Group Play game of NBA Cup action, the Cavs opened the contest in style – setting a regular season team record with 49 points in the first quarter. The 144 points were the second-most ever scored by the Cavaliers, who set a franchise record for any point of the season with their 14th consecutive victory.
Four Cavaliers tallied at least 20 points apiece in the win – led by Donovan Mitchell, who scored 18 of his game-high 37 points in the final quarter, going 12-for-23 from the floor overall, 7-of-13 from long-range. Darius Garland added 29 points and a team-high nine assists. Jarrett Allen posted his ninth double-double of the season with 24 points and a game-high 10 boards. And Caris LeVert came off the bench to tally 22 points – going 7-of-10 from the floor, 4-of-5 from deep, in 26 minutes of work.
The Wine & Gold topped the 130-point plateau for the sixth time this season, a franchise-best. At 121.8ppg, the Cavaliers are currently the league’s highest scoring squad.
The Cavaliers red-hot start is now tied with the Mavericks (2002-03) and Celtics (1957-58) for the 4th-longest win streak to start the season. If they’re able to knock off Charlotte on Sunday, they’ll tie the Rockets (1993-94) and Washington Capitals (1948-49) at 15-0. The 2015-16 Warriors ran off 24 straight wins before suffering their first loss.
On Sunday evening, the Cavs welcome LaMelo Ball and the Hornets to town as they try to run their win streak to 15.
COURTESY CAVALIERS MEDIA RELATIONS