The Cleveland Cavaliers outlasted the Minnesota Timberwolves 127-125 in overtime Monday night in Ohio, claiming a second straight win after opening the season with a split. The extra-period triumph came on their home floor, with the crowd willing the team through a seesaw contest that remained tight throughout.
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 26 points on 10-of-21 shooting, knocking down five of nine three-point attempts while adding seven assists, five rebounds, two steals and a block in 38 minutes. The guard's all-around production anchored an offense that needed every possession against a Timberwolves squad playing the second night of a back-to-back following Sunday's victory in Toronto.
Cleveland's early schedule has already delivered a microcosm of the season's volatility. The Cavaliers squandered a lead in a season-opening loss to Philadelphia, responded with a win over Brooklyn, and now have navigated an overtime grinder against a Minnesota team playing on the second night of a back-to-back after winning its previous outing. Mitchell has confirmed his strong start to the season, directing the attack and filling the stat sheet.
Minnesota matched Cleveland blow for blow despite the scheduling disadvantage, forcing the extra session before the Cavaliers edged ahead in the final minutes. The loss snaps the Timberwolves' brief winning streak at one game as they navigate a compressed early calendar.
