Mitchell, Cavs Bounce Back; Celtics Upset by Hawks

Cleveland duo Donovan Mitchell (left) and Darius Garland helped the Cavaliers to victory over Minnesota (©Michael Reaves / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP)

Donovan Mitchell led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 124-117 comeback victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday, scoring 36 points with eight rebounds and seven assists. The Cavs, who arrived in Minneapolis after a tough 134-114 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, improved their record to 35-6 with the win.

The Cavs overcame an early 11-point deficit, powered by Mitchell and Darius Garland, who combined for 65 points. Garland contributed 29 points, hitting five of 10 from beyond the arc.

Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 28 points, including four three-pointers, while Julius Randle came close to a triple-double with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists.

In Boston, Trae Young delivered a stellar 28-point performance to lead the Atlanta Hawks to a thrilling 119-115 overtime upset against the Celtics. Atlanta’s defense held firm in overtime to secure the win, improving their record to 22-19.

Despite leading by 12 points early and reclaiming a 10-point fourth-quarter advantage, Boston struggled to close the game. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla remained optimistic despite the loss.

“There is no fear — I’m actually more excited at this juncture of the season than I was at the beginning,” Mazzulla said. “This is the fun part. There’s zero fear whatsoever.”

The Celtics now hold a 29-13 record, remaining second in the Eastern Conference standings.

Suns, Pacers, and Warriors Shine in Wins

In Detroit, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant combined for 71 points as the Phoenix Suns edged the Pistons 125-121. Durant scored 36 points, while Booker added 35, helping the Suns move to 21-20 and into 10th place in the Western Conference standings.

The Indiana Pacers dominated the Philadelphia 76ers with a balanced offense in a 115-102 victory. Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 28 points, but the absence of Joel Embiid proved costly.

Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors held off the Washington Wizards 122-114 in San Francisco. Former Warrior Jordan Poole had a standout 38-point performance, including eight three-pointers, but it wasn’t enough to defeat his former team.

Stephen Curry scored 26 points before exiting late with an ankle injury after a collision with Poole. Reports suggest Curry is expected to return for the Warriors’ next game.

Andrew Wiggins added 31 points for Golden State, which continues to push forward despite injuries and inconsistencies.