PARIS — Donovan Mitchell scored a season-high 45 factors and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Brooklyn Nets 111-102 on Thursday within the NBA’s third regular-season recreation in Paris.
Mitchell’s fast begin despatched the Cavaliers to a lead they’d by no means lose and he scored 21 factors within the fourth quarter, making 4 3-pointers after going 0-for-6 by three, to maintain the Nets from coming all the best way again after chopping a 26-point deficit to single digits.
Caris LeVert added 21 factors in Cleveland’s first time enjoying exterior North America within the common season, whereas and Jarrett Allen had 12 factors and 12 rebounds in his career-best eighth straight double-double.
The Cavaliers gained their fourth straight, bettering to 9-3 since Dec. 16.
Isaac Okoro additionally scored 12 factors, whereas Mitchell had 12 rebounds.
Mikal Bridges and Cam Thomas every scored 26 factors for the Nets, who matched their worst half of the season with 34 factors within the first half and have misplaced 12 of 15. Lonnie Walker IV added 20 factors.
The Nets’ struggles stored the NBA from delivering a lot of a present in entrance of a crowd that included French soccer famous person Kylian Mbappé and former NBA stars Tony Parker and Joakim Noah.
However higher basketball is forward.
Paris will host the Olympics this summer time and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver famous that the US, which has gained the final 4 gold medals in males’s basketball, might ship a powerhouse roster.
“I feel a love of competitors and a love of this market, seemingly all of the marquee U.S.
NBA gamers wish to take part,” Silver stated throughout a information convention earlier than the sport.
He added that the NBA expects to return to France subsequent season, maybe with the groups chosen enjoying a number of video games.
Headed by No. 1 decide Victor Wembanyama, France had a document 14 gamers on opening-night rosters this season and has turn out to be one of many league’s most vital markets, rating No. 1 in Europe and the Center East for gross sales of NBA-branded merchandise.
Mitchell scored the sport’s first six factors and Cleveland raced to a 16-4 lead.
It was 54-34 at halftime and the Cavs took their largest lead when Mitchell’s layup made it 60-34 early within the third.
Cleveland’s Tristan Thompson was ejected early within the fourth quarter for flagrantly fouling Nic Claxton, after the Nets middle had dunked and taunted the veteran middle.
The Cavs, enjoying with out Evan Mobley (knee surgical procedure) and Darius Garland (damaged jaw), performed the ultimate three quarters with out beginning guard Max Strus due to proper knee soreness.