Cavaliers Start 2026 with Win Against Nuggets in the NBA
The Cleveland Cavaliers started the year 2026 on the right foot, securing a crucial 113-108 victory over the Denver Nuggets. This triumph represents the third consecutive win for the Cavaliers on a day full of action in the NBA.
The match, which took place at the Rocket Arena before a crowd of 19,432 fans, saw Donovan Mitchell shine with 33 points in 35 minutes. The Cavaliers’ defense adjusted in the final quarter, limiting the Nuggets to only 11 points, after having faced challenges in the previous periods.
The Cavaliers’ victory came without the presence of Nikola Jokic, who is expected to be out of the courts for approximately four weeks due to a left knee injury. Despite Jokic’s absence, the Nuggets managed to have a significant lead in the third quarter.
We didn’t play at our level for the first three quarters, but the key was to keep defending.
Donovan Mitchell
Darius Garland contributed 18 points for the Cavaliers. For the Nuggets, Jamal Murray led the offense with 34 units, although with 43% effectiveness in field goals.
Hawks Take Advantage of Towns’ Absence and Beat the Knicks
In Atlanta, the Hawks secured a 111-99 victory over the New York Knicks, who suffered their second consecutive loss. The Knicks played without Karl-Anthony Towns, who was absent due to illness.
Onyeka Okongwu and Nickeil Alexander-Walker were the offensive pillars for the Hawks, scoring 23 points each. Atlanta took control of the game from the end of the first quarter, extending their lead to as much as 26 points, although the Knicks managed to reduce the difference in the final moments.
Fox Leads Spurs to Victory Over Pacers
The San Antonio Spurs secured their 25th victory of the season, defeating the Indiana Pacers 123-113. This match marked the team’s first game without Victor Wembanyama, who suffered a hyperextension in his left knee.
De’Aaron Fox led the Spurs’ offense with 24 points, followed by Dylan Harper, who contributed 22 off the bench. San Antonio maintains a solid performance against teams with a losing record, with a 15-1 mark in those matchups.
The Pacers, for their part, extended their losing streak to 11 consecutive losses, remaining in last place in the Eastern Conference.
