PHOENIX (AP) — Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell both scored 22 points and the Cleveland Cavaliers pulled away late to beat the battered Phoenix Suns 112-98 on Sunday night.
The Knights won for the fourth time in five games. It is the second time this week that the Cavs beat the Suns after beating them 90-88 on Wednesday.
The struggling Phoenix — playing without the All-Star back seat of Chris Paul and Devin Booker — fell six points in the climax and nine points out of ten. The Suns now have a record of 20-21, which is the first time they have all gone under .500 this season.
The offensively challenged Suns failed to surpass 100 points for the fourth straight game.
The Knights went into the last quarter with an advantage of 80-79. Garland hit a 3-pointer and Evan Mobley made a jumper to start the fourth, extending their lead to six points. That was part of a 17-2 run that took away any drama in the final minutes.
All five Cleveland starters hit double figures, along with Caris LeVert, who added 13 points off the bench.
Duane Washington led the Suns with 25 points off the bench. Mikal Bridges scored 15 and Deandre Ayton added 14. Ayton appeared to pinch his ankle late in the game and cautiously left the field.
Cleveland used a 14-0 run to take a 35-26 lead by the end of the first quarter. The Cavs led 57-54 at the break after shooting 60% from the field.
TYPE INS
Cavalieri: Mitchell returned to the lineup after missing Friday’s game against the Nuggets. … Garland was dealing with a sprained right thumb but played anyway. ,,, Shot 57.7% from the field.
Suns: Paul (hip), Booker (groin), Cameron Payne (foot) and forward Cam Johnson (knee) were all out. … made 8 of 12 3-pointers (66.7%) in the first half. …threw their 47th consecutive sellout crowd.
NEXT
Cavaliers: At Utah on Tuesday.
Suns: At Golden State on Tuesday.
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