Cavs outlast the Spurs in 124-116 victory
It was ugly at times, but the Cavs fought the entire way to pick up their 59th win of the season.
It was not pretty, and it definitely was not quick, but the Cleveland Cavaliers outlasted the visiting San Antonio Spurs _____ to win their 59th game of the season. The Cavs led by as many as 16 points, but squandered the lead amidst a tumultuous third and fourth quarter that was marred by several officiating stoppages. Here are a few takeaways from an otherwise arduous contest.
The bench stepped up
The Cavs got some big contributions from the bench, and that became even more cruci after Tristan Thompson wasn't ejected from the game for a flagrant 2. Javonte Green came up big with a clutch three-pointer and tip out for an offensive rebound, which helped give the Cavs an extra possession in the fourth quarter. His stats done pop off the page, but his impact is not felt on the scoresheet.
“He’s gotta be a pinch hitter. He's gotta come in and get an extra possession, get us a rebound,” Atkinson said after the game. “He’s a winner. He knows what we need, he knows his role, and his athleticism is unique.”
Sam Merrill finished with a key 13 points and De’Andre Hunter added another 14, including seven in the first quarter. Isaac Okoro, in his 19 minutes on the court, finished with nine points four rebounds, and brought a level of energy that was hard to keep off the floor.
The Cavs are very deep, making decisions about who plays in key moments difficult. In the playoffs, that will get even more challenging.
“Isaac probably deserved to finish, but he didn’t,” Atkinson said. “These are really hard decisions, but I’m constantly talking to the team. You have to be selfless and you have to support your teammate and have a positive spirit.”
Jarrett Allen was huge in the fourth quarter
Allen only had two shot attempts in the first half, but he had six in the fourth quarter alone and drilled all of them. 27 of his 29 total points came in the second half as the Cavs punished the small ball Spurs when it mattered most.
“Number one key to our victory tonight was Jarrett Allen,” Atkinson said. “I don’t know how he does it energy-wise.”
That Dre to JA connection is STRONG! #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/H6RkK9uemg
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) March 28, 2025
Darius Garland stuck with it
It was a tough game for Darius Garland, but he had some big moments in clutch time, as has been the case all season. Garland drilled a big three-pointer and had a key steal in the fourth quarter to help seal the deal.
Garland finished with 10 points (4-15 shooting) and nine assists to go along with two steals.
The Spurs are a lanky team, which undoubtedly caused issues for Garland. But he stuck with his game, and, especially late, it paid dividends for the Cavs. That is a level of confidence that Garland did not seem to have last season, a self-efficacy that he will still be able to impact winning even if the shot isn't falling.