Cleveland, OH
Cavs outlast Nets 105-100, improving their unprecedented start to 11-0
CLEVELAND, Ohio — There were many emotions leading up to Saturday’s contest between the Cavs and Brooklyn Nets, spilling onto the floor in a scrappy, back-and-forth game between two teams reeling in the second game of a back-to-back.
After losing their initial lead and trailing in the fourth, the Cavs stormed back for a gritty 105-100 win, becoming just the 12th team in NBA history to start a season 11-0.
Kenny Atkinson has led the Cavs to their best start in franchise history, but the last two games he wanted a little more than the rest.
On Friday, he faced off against Golden State and Steve Kerr, the team and coach that Atkinson credits heavily for his development to get to where he is. On Saturday, he took on the team that gave him his first shot at being a head coach.
With his new team, Atkinson beat them both.
“Last night I was like, man, I wanted that game because you’ve had such great experience with the team you were with, but you also want to beat ‘em,” Atkinson said ahead of the matchup with Brooklyn. “It’s the same with the Nets. Wonderful experience I had, but there’s always a little something extra when you’ve been with a team before. So a little more awareness, a little more tension. You want it a little more.”
Again, on Saturday, the Cavs got off to a fast start, playing for their coach and to continue their unbeaten streak.
Donovan Mitchell scored 15 of his 22 points in the first quarter and the Cavs shot 75% from the field in the opening frame. Evan Mobley was perfect at halftime with 13 points, shooting 5 of 5 from the field while corralling 10 rebounds and recording his first double-double in a single half since Nov. 28, 2023, in the first half versus the Atlanta Hawks.
But the second period saw the Nets, who entered Saturday with the second slowest pace in the NBA, dictate the speed of the game and claw back from a 15-point deficit, as the Cavs led by just two at halftime.
The Cavs have expressed their desire to come out in the second half with the same energy they start the games with. Especially after Friday’s game where they were lackadaisical with a 41-point halftime lead, the Cavs and Atkinson had the opportunity on Saturday to correct that mistake with it still on their minds.
“I don’t know what our third quarter stats say, [but] I think that’s our next hurdle,” Atkinson said at his pregame press conference Saturday. “Obviously (Friday) night was not a good one. I know this team has struggled in the third quarter. It seems to me the great teams are third quarter teams too, so we got to do a better job coming out of the locker room.”
Even with the extra emphasis, the Cavs saw the Nets go on a 30-5 run and take a double-digit lead in the third quarter after the Cavs scored just 13 points to open the second half.
But when trailing by 12 points entering the final frame, the Cavs roared back behind the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse crowd.
Although they had plenty to be disgruntled with outside of their first quarter performance, the Cavs wouldn’t go away quietly.
The Cavs have proven themselves to be starters and finishers with players who can step up when the game comes down to the wire. In a game that saw both teams take double-digit leads, it came down to the final six minutes.
And the pressure of letting their winning streak slip from their fingers was felt.
“Normally, this is 11 games in, you’re not thinking about a streak,” Atkinson said postgame. “But tonight, you’re like, man, I don’t want it to end this way. … We’re trying to win every game, but it’s kind of weirdly in the back of your mind when you’re out there competing, like, man, we got to keep this thing going.”
Their surge back began when Atkinson called for a small-ball lineup that had never played together before, consisting of Mitchell, Darius Garland, Caris LeVert, Ty Jerome, and Mobley at the five.
Atkinson went to Mobley as the center for the entire fourth quarter as the 7-footer forced more problems both offensively and defensively than Jarrett Allen had to that point. Mobley finished with 23 points, 16 rebounds, four steals and a game-sealing block. He was 10 of 11 from the field.
With that five-man group on the floor, the Cavs were confident that any player could create offense while being stout on defense. And with this lineup playing the majority of the minutes in the final period, Cleveland flipped the script. The Cavs scored 35 points while holding the Nets to 18, finishing on a 26-11 run.
“Defensively, we locked in, got stops, got rebounds, boxed out, didn’t miss opportunities,” Mitchell said. “We did all the little things, and I think that’s what you saw tonight, just the effort as a whole. And that’s what made this one special.”
Jerome, who finished with four points, five assists and two steals, forced a shot clock violation against Dennis Schroder. The stop led to a LeVert layup. On the very next possession, Jerome forced another turnover that led to a LeVert dunk, cutting the Nets lead to two.
Then the Cavs turned to their most reliable star to close the game. Garland finished with 20 points, including eight in the final five minutes, along with six assists.
“He’s got everything,” Atkinson praised. “He’s a complete, complete point guard. But I had heard there were some, maybe last year there was some end of game [issues]. It didn’t always go great. But, from my point of view, just, you know, coaching him for the first time, I’m just blown away [by] his control of end of game situations.”
Garland’s 5-foot floater with 1:24 left gave the Cavs 101 points, a score the Nets would never reach, as Cleveland held Brooklyn scoreless over the last minute of the contest.
“We fought for 48 minutes, literally,” Garland said before Mitchell drenched him with a water bottle. “That was a big (expletive) win. .,. It was a great effort from everybody. We needed everybody tonight.
“We know how hard it is to win in this league. And now, 11 in a row. 11-0. We’re the hunted. We’re not the hunters no more.”
Up Next
The Cavs now take their 11-0 streak on the road to face the Chicago Bulls on Monday with tipoff set at 8 p.m. Eastern.
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Cleveland, OH
3 Options For the Cavaliers to Replace GM Mike Gansey
As Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Mike Gansey begins a new chapter with the Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland will begin searching for a new GM to work with President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman.
While Altman has been the man behind most of Cleveland’s big moves, including trades like the James Harden deal this year, Gansey has been a key part of the scouting and development operations.
Here are three candidates who could replace Gansey and take over some front office responsibilities.
1. Brandon Weems
Weems could be the most logical candidate for the job, allowing the Cavaliers to make an internal hire. Weems is currently serving as an assistant GM for the team.
He was hired as a director of scouting in 2017 and was promoted to senior director of scouting in 2021. He has been part of several solid draft picks including Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jaylon Tyson, while also missing on picks like Isaac Okoro and Emoni Bates.
Weems still overlooks Cleveland’s scouting in his current possession, and still regularly scouts on his own for the team. He’d be a very logical choice to take over for Gansey, being able to help Cleveland get the most out of limited draft picks and help develop some late round talent.
2. Dave Telep
Once an ESPN analyst, Telep has been a key member of the San Antonio Spurs front office for more than a decade.
He was originally hired as a scouting coordinator, but worked his way up the ranks in the scouting and development department. In 2022 he was promoted to VP of basketball operations, where he helped draft Victor Wembanyama and the rest of the Spurs young cast.
He most recently has served as an assistant GM this season while the Spurs are having a terrific playoff run ahead of schedule. He’ll be a highly coveted prospect for any front office this year, but Cleveland could offer some serious money to acquire him and his development skills.
3. Matt Lloyd
One of the most experienced candidates who could be looking for a new home this offseason, Lloyd has proven to be a front office guy who is willing to make big moves.
He began his career in the late 90s with the Chicago Bulls, worked with the Orlando Magic for a decade, and has been with the Minnesota Timberwolves for the past few seasons.
Lloyd has been a part of a Timberwolves organization that has been active. Some of their splashes include swapping Karl Anthony-Towns for Julius Randle and Donte Divincenzo with the Knicks, and acquiring both Rudy Gobert and Mike Conley from the Utah Jazz.
Lloyd has helped lead Minnesota to two conference finals, and a second round playoff trip this year. Having a voice telling Altman to pull the trigger on franchise-changing moves could be the difference in Cleveland’s success soon.
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Cleveland, OH
Watches & Wonders Comes to Cleveland Hosted by Alson Jewelers
Cleveland watch enthusiasts and luxury collectors are invited to experience “Watches & Wonders Comes to Cleveland,” an exclusive two-day event hosted by Alson Jewelers on June 12 and June 13.
Cleveland watch enthusiasts and luxury collectors are invited to experience “Watches & Wonders Comes to Cleveland,” an exclusive two-day event hosted by Alson Jewelers on June 12 and June 13.
CLEVELAND, OH, May 30, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ — Cleveland watch enthusiasts and luxury collectors are invited to experience “Watches & Wonders Comes to Cleveland,” an exclusive two-day event hosted by Alson Jewelers on June 12 and June 13.
Bringing together some of the world’s most celebrated watchmakers, the event offers guests the opportunity to explore exceptional timepieces while connecting directly with brand representatives from Breitling, Cartier, TUDOR, Chopard, IWC, and Panerai.
The celebration begins Friday, June 12, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with an evening of watches, whiskey, and hors d’oeuvres in a sophisticated atmosphere designed for collectors and newcomers alike.
Festivities continue Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring champagne and light bites while guests browse the newest luxury watch collections.
During the event, attendees who purchase any new watch from participating brands will receive a complimentary watch winder, adding even more value to the experience. In addition, every watch purchase automatically enters guests for the chance to win a $1,000 gift card.
Known for offering an elevated shopping experience in the Cleveland area, Alson Jewelers’ Luxury Watch Collection continues to showcase premier craftsmanship and timeless design from leading Swiss watchmakers. Guests are encouraged to RSVP by June 6 to reserve their place at this highly anticipated event.
About Alson Jewelers
With a legacy of excellence in fine jewelry and customer service, Alson Jewelers remains a premier destination for bridal and luxury jewelry. Family-owned and operated, Alson is known for its knowledgeable staff and commitment to helping clients celebrate life’s most meaningful moments. The store offers an exceptional selection of designer engagement rings, wedding bands, and fine jewelry, along with expert jewelry and watch repair services. Fully equipped for custom design, Alson Jewelers works closely with clients to create one-of-a-kind engagement rings, wedding bands, and fine jewelry pieces. Above all, Alson Jewelers prides itself on delivering a warm, personalized experience in their Cleveland jewelry store that makes every guest feel welcomed and cared for from the moment they walk through the door.
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Cleveland, OH
Koby Altman Sounds Like Evan Mobley’s Future With Cavaliers Could Be in Question
The Cleveland Cavaliers might be at the point of doing whatever it takes to contend for a NBA championship next season, even at the expense of some of their young stars.
After their disappointing loss in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Cavs need to consider anything and everything when it comes to trading away players to bring in more help for next season.
Obviously, Cleveland would love to retain as many of their stars as possible, especially the likes of Evan Mobley. New details from Koby Altman, Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations, gives more insight into how the Cavs view Mobley’s future as of now.
Here’s what Koby Altman shared with the media regarding Evan Mobley.
Koby Altman praises Mobley for what he’s done in Cleveland
“Evan Mobley? Yeah, I mean he’s a part of our future.”
This is what Cavs fans were hoping to hear, especially with the recent talks about potential league altering trades involving Mobley.
“We’re not going to speculate on any players outside these walls. All I can tell you is since Evan’s been here, we’ve had the third best record in the league.
There is no arguing Altman’s points on Mobley, considering Cleveland has had a winning record and made either the play-in tournament or the playoffs in each of Mobley’s first five seasons.
Their winning percentage ranks amongst the league’s best as well since the 2021-22 season, much thanks to Mobley’s dominance as their big man of the future alongside veteran Jarrett Allen.
Mobley would go on to win the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award during the 2024-25 season, becoming the franchise’s first player to win the award as well as the fifth youngest in league history at just 23 years old.
Altman would go on to say, “all Evan has done is impact winning. He’s been remarkable for us in terms of our ascent. He knows he needs to get better.”
What this means for Evan Mobley going forward
Mobley has most certainly helped Cleveland finish each season near the top of the Eastern Conference and has continued to get better every year. However, fans and media have criticized his aggressiveness as a big man, urging him to be more physical with his size.
Standing at 6 foot 11 inches and weighing 215 pounds, Mobley ranks amongst the league’s tallest centers while showcasing dynamic abilities as both a ball handler and a shooter. His averages this past season include 18.2 points, nine rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game were some of his best stats in his career.
Mobley sits among some of the NBA’s best centers in regard to his defense, as he is one of four players to have at least 300 blocks and 150 steals, next to Anthony Davis, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Rudy Gobert. He has continued to build on those impressive stats as he keeps working to get better.
If the Cavs want to bet on Mobley being a true franchise player for the foreseeable future, they’ll need those numbers to increase next season. They’ll also need Mobley to show that defensive presence again that earned him DPOY honors two seasons ago.
In Mobley’s case, his 5-year, $224 million extension two summers ago keeps him in Cleveland through the 2029-30 season. Unfortunately, the NBA is a business, and at the end of the day, teams will do whatever they can to build a championship contending roster.
Based on Altman’s high praise, it would seem like Mobley is safe as a Cavalier. Don’t rule out the possibility of a trade if a team comes calling with an offer Cleveland can’t refuse.
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