Phoenix SunsOpen full analysis
Cleveland CavaliersOpen full analysis
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Phoenix Suns 129–113 on December 31 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, coming in well below the Vegas total of 232.5 points. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 34 points while Devin Booker paced Phoenix with 32 points, but Cleveland's balanced attack proved decisive—Darius Garland added 19 points as the hosts shot 50 percent from the field and made 15 three-pointers. The Cavaliers controlled the game through a strong third quarter (29 points) and a dominant fourth (33 points), holding Phoenix to just 24 points in the final frame. Cleveland's defensive rating of 106.6 stifled the Suns' offense, which managed only 40 percent shooting and 23 assists despite matching the Cavaliers' three-point makes at 15. The hosts dominated the glass with 54 rebounds to Phoenix's 52 while committing just 14 turnovers. Mitchell's efficient scoring and the Cavaliers' defensive execution, particularly late, showcased their ability to contain one of the league's elite scorers in Booker, positioning Cleveland favorably in the Eastern Conference race.
