ANKARA – The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 131-122 in a Wednesday NBA game to improve to 9-0, which is now the Cavs’ best start in its 55-year history.
Unbeaten Cavaliers’ US guard Donovan Mitchell scored 29 points to play a key role for the away win at New Orleans’ Smoothie King Center.
Jarrett Allen, a Cavaliers center, had 16 points and 14 rebounds. His teammate Caris LeVert scored 16 points. Evan Mobley scored 15, while Darius Garland added 14 points for the Cavaliers.
The Pelicans were led by Zion Williamson, who had 29 points. Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado scored 27 points for the losing team. Brandon Ingram, a Pelicans forward, added 20 points.
On Monday, the Cavs beat the Milwaukee Bucks 116-114 in a home game to have gone 8-0 as they tied the 1976-77 Cavaliers for the best start in franchise history.
The 2015-16 Golden State Warriors, which were led by Splash Brothers – Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson at that time – still own the NBA’s record start.
The Warriors had a 24-0 win-loss record in that season until they were halted by the Bucks in December 2015.
Eastern Conference leaders Cavaliers will face the Warriors in Cleveland on Friday.
Wednesday’s results
Indiana Pacers – Orlando Magic: 118-111
Charlotte Hornets – Detroit Pistons: 108-107
Boston Celtics – Golden State Warriors: 112-118
Atlanta Hawks – New York Knicks: 121-116
New Orleans Pelicans – Cleveland Cavaliers: 122-131
Memphis Grizzlies – Los Angeles Lakers: 131-114
Houston Rockets – San Antonio Spurs: 127-100
Dallas Mavericks – Chicago Bulls: 119-99
Phoenix Suns – Miami Heat: 115-112
Denver Nuggets – Oklahoma City Thunder: 124-122
Sacramento Kings – Toronto Raptors: 122-107
Los Angeles Clippers – Philadelphia 76ers: 110-98 (Anadolu)