On October 24, 2025, the Cleveland Cavaliers secured a 131-124 victory over the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center, marking their first win of the 2025-26 NBA season. Despite a late-game surge from the Nets, Cleveland maintained their lead to close out the game.
First Half: Cavaliers Establish Early Dominance
The Cavaliers came out strong, building a commanding 34-23 lead in the first quarter. Donovan Mitchell led the charge, scoring 35 points on 10-of-15 shooting, including six three-pointers. Jarrett Allen added 22 points, and Sam Merrill contributed 22 points off the bench. Cleveland’s offense was efficient, shooting 53.7% from the field and hitting 18 three-pointers as a team.
The Nets, missing key players due to injuries, struggled defensively. Despite this, they managed to keep the game competitive, with Cam Thomas and Michael Porter Jr. combining for 64 points. Thomas scored 33 points and dished out nine assists, while Porter added 31 points and eight rebounds.
Fourth Quarter: Nets Mount a Comeback
In the final quarter, the Nets rallied from a 25-point deficit to cut the lead to just one point at 121-120 with under four minutes remaining. Ziaire Williams contributed 25 points off the bench, including a career-tying six three-pointers, and rookie Egor Dëmin made an impact with three three-pointers. However, the Cavaliers held firm, with Sam Merrill hitting four key free throws in the last seconds to seal the win.
Key Takeaways
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Cavaliers’ Depth: Cleveland showcased their depth, with multiple players stepping up to contribute offensively.
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Nets’ Resilience: Despite the loss, Brooklyn demonstrated resilience by mounting a strong comeback attempt.
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Injury Impact: Injuries to key players affected both teams, but Cleveland managed to secure the win.
The Cavaliers will look to build on this victory as they continue their season, while the Nets will aim to regroup and bounce back in their upcoming games
