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Cavaliers score, recap vs Phoenix as Mitchell leads Cleveland over Suns
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- Cavaliers score, recap vs Phoenix as Mitchell leads Cleveland over Suns
CLEVELAND — The Cavaliers faced a difficult test from the West in a New Year's Eve matchup with the Phoenix Suns at Rocket Arena and came away with a win, 129-113.
The Cavs (19-16) were coming off of a three-game road trip that concluded with a win over the San Antonio Spurs , though it also included a key loss on Christmas to the New York Knicks , now the favorites in the East.
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Here's how the Dec. 31 game between the Cavs and Suns unfolded.
Dec 31, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) reacts after being fouled and making the basket during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
Cavs beat the Suns
The Cavs have beaten the Suns, 129-113.
Donovan Mitchell finished with 34 points (10-for-18), 10 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. The Cavs had three players with double-doubles tonight, including Mitchell, Evan Mobley (16 points, 10 rebounds, five assists) and Jarrett Allen (16 points, 11 rebounds, three assists). Jaylon Tyson finished with 18 points and three assists.
Cavs pull away, led by Donovan Mitchell, Jaylon Tyson
Donovan Mitchell and Jaylon Tyson put together terrific fourth quarters, and the Cavs are cruising to a win, now up 129-107 with 2:06 left in the fourth quarter.
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Mitchell and Tyson have scored 10 points each on a combined 7-for-9 from the floor in the fourth quarter, and the Suns offense hit a dry spell, allowing Cleveland to open up a sizable lead.
Cavs end third quarter with 5-0 run
Led by Devin Booker , the Suns momentarily cut Cleveland's lead to two points before Sam Merrill hit a corner 3 and Evan Mobley got a runner in the final seconds to fall, and the Cavs will take a 96-89 lead into the fourth quarter.
Booker was tremendous in the third quarter, pouring in 19 points on 7-for-13 shooting from the floor.
Cavs, Suns score: Cleveland leads Phoenix late in third quarter
The Cavs are maintaining a nine-point advantage and lead the Suns 88-79 with 4:58 left in the third quarter.
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This game has featured a lot of back-and-forth between Donovan Mitchell and Dillon Brooks . Mitchell is up to 24 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Brooks has had a strong day offensively with 20 points, but he also just picked up his third and fourth fouls in quick succession.
Devin Booker has been a problem for the Cavs in the third quarter. He now has 23 points today.
Suns 8-0 run cuts into Cavaliers lead
The Cavs opened up a 19-point lead that was quickly trimmed to 11, leading to a quick timeout from Kenny Atkinson. With 9:36 left in the third, the Cavs now lead 75-64.
Devin Booker hit a jumper and was followed by Collin Gillespie , who drilled back-to-back 3s to lead to a frustrated Cavs timeout.
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It is also notable that even without De'Andre Hunter out with an illness, Lonzo Ball has still not played tonight. The Cavs have utilized a nine-man rotation.
Dec 31, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) reacts after making a there point basket during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
Dillon Brooks fouls Donovan Mitchell hard; Cavaliers lead Suns by 13 at halftime
Of course the first half included a hard, away-from-the-play foul from Dillon Brooks.
As Donovan Mitchell tried to run down the court following a Suns possession, Brooks initiated contact, leading to additional free throws for Mitchell, who has a game-high 21 points. Brooks had a 20-point first half that also included him, at different points, yelling at teammates, officials and finally his own coaches.
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Along with his 21 points (including 8-for-9 from the free throw line), Mitchell has seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. Darius Garland had a quiet first half with seven points (3-for-7). Evan Mobley was 5-for-6 from the floor for 11 points and seven rebounds.
Dec 31, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) shoots over Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (32) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
Donovan Mitchell makes highlight-reel layup, Cavs lead Suns after first quarter
The Cavs had a near-perfect first quarter, out-scoring the Suns 37-21 in the first 12 minutes. It included, late in the quarter, a circus layup from Donovan Mitchell that he made while hitting the floor from contact in transition.
Mitchell has a game-high 10 points on 3-for-6 shooting from the floor. Dillon Brooks has a team-high eight points for the Suns.
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The Cavs shot 50 percent from the floor and 42.9 percent from 3-point range in the first quarter.
Cavs, Suns score: Sam Merrill hits back-to-back 3s
Sam Merrill came off the bench and hit back-to-back 3s, which has the Cavaliers up 18-8 with 7:26 left in the first quarter.
Donovan Mitchell is 2-for-4 with 5 points thus far.
Below is some pregame information.
Cavs injury report vs Suns; De'Andre Hunter a late scratch
Cavs guard Max Strus (foot) has yet to make his season debut following offseason surgery and remains out. Forward Larry Nance Jr . isn't expected to play due to a strained right calf. Guard Sam Merrill (hip) is expected to be available.
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An hour before tip-off, the Cavs also announced that forward De'Andre Hunter would be out with an illness.
Cavaliers unveil city edition uniforms
The Cavs unveiled their new City Edition uniforms Nov. 11.
How can I watch/stream/listen to the Cavs vs Suns game?
The Dec. 31 Cavs-Suns game can be watched on NBA TV. It can heard on the radio on 100.7 WMMS, 1100 WTAM and S: LA MEGA 1300.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cleveland Cavs score vs Phoenix Suns game recap, highlights
