In a thrilling showdown on December 31, 2025, the Cleveland Cavaliers triumphed over the Phoenix Suns with a score of 129-113, effectively ending the Suns' impressive four-game winning streak. Donovan Mitchell was the star of the night, delivering an outstanding performance with 34 points, while Darius Garland contributed significantly with 19 points. As the game progressed into the fourth quarter, the Cavaliers pulled away decisively, showcasing their determination to secure the victory.
This particular match marked Mitchell's 18th game this season where he scored over 30 points, placing him third in the league for such performances. Interestingly, just two nights prior, he had a quieter outing, scoring only 10 points against the San Antonio Spurs. Currently, Mitchell ranks fourth in overall scoring in the NBA, averaging an impressive 29.7 points per game. In his 30 minutes on the court, he displayed remarkable efficiency, hitting 10 out of 18 shots from the field, including four successful three-pointers. Additionally, he contributed with 10 rebounds and 7 assists, further solidifying his role as a key player.
Other notable contributions came from Jaylon Tyson, who scored 18 points, and Sam Merrill, who added 16 points to the scoreboard. Both Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen recorded double-doubles; Mobley secured 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Allen matched him with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Following this victory, the Cavaliers improved their record to 19-16, having performed evenly throughout December with a 7-7 record.
On the opposing side, Devin Booker led the Suns with a commendable 32 points, notably scoring 20 of those during a strong third quarter where the Suns attempted to mount a comeback from a 67-54 deficit at halftime. Dillon Brooks also made an impact by putting up 20 points in the first half alone, while Collin Gillespie contributed 17 points.
The turning point came when the Suns narrowed the gap to 91-89 thanks to a couple of free throws by Jordan Goodwin. However, the Cavaliers responded fiercely with a commanding 24-5 run, with Mitchell scoring eight points and Tyson adding six during this explosive stretch. Cleveland showcased their dominance by shooting an impressive 10 of 13 from the field during this crucial phase, while Phoenix struggled with only 2 of 10.
At one point in the game, Cleveland enjoyed a substantial lead of 24 points, sitting comfortably at 125-101 with less than four minutes left in the game. The match started with the Suns slightly ahead at 8-5 before the Cavaliers ignited a 16-point rally, which included four consecutive three-pointers, shifting the momentum firmly in their favor.
As the calendar turns to 2026, the Suns hold a record of 19-14 after a solid 7-5 performance in December.
Looking ahead, the Suns are set to host the Sacramento Kings on Friday, while the Cavaliers will welcome the Denver Nuggets for their next game.
