Mitchell, Mobley Shine as Cavs Escape Spurs’ Late Push — Barnes Comes Up Short at the Buzzer
In a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final second, the Cleveland Cavaliers narrowly edged out the San Antonio Spurs 114-113 in a thrilling contest that highlighted both individual brilliance and team grit. With standout performances from Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, the Cavs secured a hard-fought win, surviving a furious fourth-quarter comeback attempt by the young and hungry Spurs.
Cavs in Control — Until the Final Minutes
Through three quarters, the Cavaliers looked in firm control. They entered the fourth quarter with a 16-point cushion and had dominated much of the game thanks to fluid ball movement, active defense, and a consistent offensive rhythm.
Donovan Mitchell, the Cavs’ dynamic leader, finished the night with 26 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists. His ability to create shots, draw fouls, and control the pace of the game gave Cleveland the edge through key stretches, particularly when San Antonio threatened to close the gap.
Evan Mobley was a force on both ends of the court, recording 25 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks. His presence in the paint frustrated the Spurs’ interior attack, while his versatility on offense gave Cleveland second-chance opportunities and kept their offense fluid. Darius Garland also chipped in with 19 points and 7 assists, balancing scoring and playmaking duties effectively.
Spurs’ Late Surge — A Gutsy Comeback
But the Spurs, led by a trio of young standouts, refused to go quietly.
Trailing by 16 in the final period, San Antonio turned up the intensity. Rookie guard Stephon Castle delivered a near triple-double performance with 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists, energizing the Spurs on both ends. Devin Vassell added 24 points and made critical plays during the run, while Harrison Barnes scored 23 points, including four clutch three-pointers that brought San Antonio within striking distance.
As the clock ticked down, the Spurs clawed back possession by possession. Defensive stops, fast breaks, and crisp shooting from beyond the arc stunned the Cavs and turned what looked like a one-sided contest into a one-possession game.
Final Possession Drama — Barnes Comes Up Just Short
With the Cavaliers up by one and just seconds remaining, the Spurs had one final shot to steal the game. The ball was inbounded to Harrison Barnes, who had been red-hot in the fourth quarter. With confidence and the crowd holding its breath, Barnes launched a deep jumper at the buzzer — but it rimmed out.
Cleveland exhaled. They had survived.
Postgame Reactions
“It’s a game of runs,” said Donovan Mitchell after the win. “We did a great job staying composed, even when they made that push. Credit to them — they’ve got some young guys who are fearless. But we closed it out and that’s what matters.”
Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff praised his team’s resilience. “Obviously, we’ve got to clean up the fourth quarter,” he said. “But I liked how we responded in the final moments. Evan and Donovan were huge tonight.”
On the other side, Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich remained upbeat. “We were right there. I love the fight in this group. Castle, Vassell, Barnes — they’re growing before our eyes. That’s what this season is about.”
What It Means
The Cavaliers’ victory improves their standing in the Eastern Conference playoff race, and games like this serve as valuable experience heading into the postseason. Mitchell and Mobley continue to be a dynamic one-two punch, and Garland’s steady presence is proving critical.
For the Spurs, while the loss stings, their resilience and young core are major positives. Castle’s emerging playmaking and poise under pressure signal a promising future for San Antonio, even as they continue to rebuild.
Final Stats Snapshot:
Cavaliers:
Donovan Mitchell: 26 PTS, 3 REB, 6 AST
Evan Mobley: 25 PTS, 12 REB, 5 AST, 3 BLK
Darius Garland: 19 PTS, 2 REB, 7 AST
Spurs:
Devin Vassell: 24 PTS, 4 REB, 3 AST, 3 STL
Harrison Barnes: 23 PTS, 1 AST, 4 3PM
Stephon Castle: 22 PTS, 9 REB, 10 AST
Up Next
Cleveland continues their homestand looking to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season, while San Antonio, despite the loss, will aim to build off the energy and chemistry shown in their fourth-quarter surge.
