CLEVELAND (AP) — Donovan Mitchell scored 27 points and the Cleveland Cavaliers matched the second-most wins in franchise history, defeating the New York Knicks 124-105 on Wednesday night.
Jarrett Allen added 21 points for the Cavaliers, who have 61 wins, equaling the 2009-10 squad. That was the final season in LeBron James’ first stint with the team. The franchise record is 66 wins during the 2008-09 season.
Cleveland has a 4 1/2 game lead over Boston for the top seed in the Eastern Conference with six games remaining.
The Cavaliers trailed 60-53 at halftime before taking control in the third quarter. The game was tied at 83-all before they went on a 15-2 run over a four-minute span late in the third and early in the fourth to go on top for good.
New York’s Karl-Anthony Towns had 25 points, 13 rebounds and seven turnovers after missing Tuesday’s game due to knee soreness. OG Anunoby scored 23.
Takeaways
Knicks: New York is 8-6 without Jalen Brunson, but the star guard has been cleared to resume basketball activities and could return to the lineup for the the final week of the regular season.
Cavaliers: They have scored at least 120 points 44 times this season, a franchise record. … Forward Dean Wade did not play due to illness.
Key moment
Cleveland started its decisive run late in the third quarter with eight straight points. That included a steal and driving layup from Isaac Okoro to extend the lead to 89-83.
Key stat
Allen is 31 of 34 from the field in the Cavaliers’ last three home games.
Up next
Both teams are on the road. The Knicks are at Atlanta on Saturday while the Cavaliers travel to the Spurs on Thursday night.
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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
Joe Reedy, The Associated Press
