CLEVELAND, Ohio — Embracing the holiday spirit, the Cavs showcased their generosity on Tuesday night, leading to a 141-118 win against the Pelicans in front of a lively Rocket Arena crowd.
The game featured dynamic passes, cutting players, and shifting defenses.
Kenny Atkinson made an impactful decision even before the game began, opting to include Sam Merrill in the starting lineup for just his second game back from injury, replacing Jaylon Tyson. This minor adjustment had significant effects.
From the beginning, the team’s energy was palpable.
Merrill’s addition, alongside Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Dean Wade, and Jarrett Allen, enhanced both the horizontal and vertical spacing against New Orleans.
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The term “gravity” often gets overused, but it accurately described the game. The presence of Merrill and Garland kept defenders alert beyond half court. Their combined ability to penetrate the paint created defensive challenges for New Orleans.
Cleveland effectively punished any hesitation on the defensive end.
“I often talk about connecting the game, and that’s what he does,” stated Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson of Merrill. “He links the bigs and smalls, creates chaos, and opens up spaces.”
The Cavs assisted on 12 of their first 13 shots, with six coming from beyond the arc. The ball was constantly moving, creating openings through calculated plays, rather than frantic scrambling.
The Pelicans, responding rather than dictating, fell into a trap against a lineup capable of making quick decisions.
“Everyone on this team can shoot,” Craig Porter Jr. noted after his impressive performance of 12 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. “With all these components, you have to choose wisely against us, which often works in our favor.”
By halftime, Merrill and Wade contributed a combined 25 points and seven three-pointers, alleviating some scoring pressure from stars Mitchell and Garland.
While New Orleans maintained a focus on Mitchell and Garland, the support from other players made it challenging for the Pelicans defensively.
This support proved critical for Cleveland’s second unit, which has struggled for stability this season.
With Tyson and De’Andre Hunter as impactful substitutes, the Cavs found efficient shot creation without disrupting spacing, ensuring that offensive productivity didn’t decline when starters were replaced.
“Unpredictability clearly benefits us,” Mitchell remarked about the varying lineups. “That’s how we thrive at our best, especially with our increased intensity on both ends.”
This was particularly vital with Zion Williamson coming off the bench for New Orleans.
Williamson posed a unique challenge that required a collective strategy from Cleveland.
Hunter absorbed initial contact from Williamson, while help defense prepared to converge around him.
This approach proved effective, complicating Williamson’s offensive options.
At halftime, Williamson had scored 14 points on 6-of-6 shooting, but also registered three turnovers, highlighting the pressure Cleveland’s defense applied on every drive.
The Pelicans, while occasionally keeping things competitive, fell behind in the second quarter before Cleveland regained their lead.
New Orleans aimed to establish their playstyle and dominate the paint, having strategized to minimize three-point attempts.
“We know our identity, and we’re here to enforce it,” Pelicans coach James Borrego asserted pre-game.
Cleveland was aware of this intent while trying to improve their transition defense, responding with more resilience than in prior games.
Allen, typically lauded for his amiable demeanor, showed his tenacity by competing fiercely for rebounds, making it clear he wouldn’t back down.
Atkinson challenged Allen to elevate his performance, emphasizing the need for resilience as the Cavs aim for playoff contention.
From that moment, the game became a matter of strategy.
The Pelicans struggled to shoot well from three-point range while the Cavs excelled at finishing drives, solidifying their lead.
Cleveland surpassed 100 points with over 2:30 remaining in the third quarter, thanks to consistent offensive execution.
The decisive third quarter saw Cleveland score 41 points while limiting New Orleans to just 31, further extending their advantage.
The Cavs outscored the Pelicans in points in the paint (72-54) and second-chance points (27-18) while making 20 three-pointers and achieving a season-high 40 assists.
While Mitchell led the team with 27 points, he enjoyed a break during the fourth quarter thanks to strong supporting performances, with eight other players scoring in double figures—a rare feat for the franchise.
Merrill concluded the game with 22 points and six three-pointers, while Tyson contributed 18 points and six rebounds, showcasing the team’s depth and shared scoring responsibilities.
This victory underscored the Cavaliers’ potential, proving they can excel without solely relying on their stars.
Next Up
The Cavs will head to New York City on Christmas Day to face off against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, their first holiday game since 2018. The matchup is scheduled for noon Eastern time.
