Nets at Cavaliers · Recap

Sat, Oct 24 · 7:30 PM ETRocket Arena

0-2

Final

121–125

1-1

	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	T
BKN	30	24	26	41	121
CLE	35	33	28	29	125

Largest lead CLE 22 pts · 4 lead changes · 7 ties · CLE led 84% of the game

Updated 1 h ago · news 17 h ago · box score via ESPN fetched Oct 24, 10:25 PM ET · source status

BKN

This game

CLE

40.2% FG (39/97)

Field goals

50.6% FG (40/79)

40.8% 3PT (20/49)

3-pointers

42.1% 3PT (16/38)

85.2% FT (23/27)

Free throws

76.3% FT (29/38)

48 reb 18 off · 30 def

Rebounds

45 reb 9 off · 36 def

20 tov

Turnovers

23 tov

30 pts

Points in the paint

46 pts

All team stats (14)

23 ast

Assists

31 ast

11 stl

Steals

9 stl

1 blk

Blocks

9 blk

23 pts

Points off turnovers

19 pts

16 pts

Fast-break pts

9 pts

30 PF

Fouls

28 PF

4 pts

Largest lead

22 pts

7% of the game

Time led

84% of the game

Team totals from the box score via ESPN; ▲ marks the better side.

Final box score

box score via ESPN · final · fetched Oct 24, 10:25 PM ET

Starters	Min	Pts	FG	3PT	FT	Reb	Ast	Tov	Stl	Blk	PF	+/-
Julius Randle F	35 min	23 pts	7-12 FG	2-4 3PT	7-8 FT	6 reb	5 ast	5 tov	0 stl	0 blk	1 PF	+6 +/-
Michael Porter Jr. F	33 min	28 pts	10-18 FG	4-9 3PT	4-4 FT	9 reb	1 ast	1 tov	4 stl	0 blk	6 PF	+5 +/-
Egor Demin G	31 min	22 pts	5-10 FG	5-10 3PT	7-7 FT	4 reb	6 ast	1 tov	0 stl	0 blk	6 PF	+7 +/-
Day'Ron Sharpe C	23 min	7 pts	3-10 FG	1-2 3PT	0-0 FT	8 reb	1 ast	3 tov	1 stl	0 blk	6 PF	+6 +/-
Keon Ellis G	22 min	6 pts	2-7 FG	2-6 3PT	0-0 FT	2 reb	1 ast	2 tov	2 stl	0 blk	2 PF	-16 +/-
Bench	Min	Pts	FG	3PT	FT	Reb	Ast	Tov	Stl	Blk	PF	+/-
Chaney Johnson F	27 min	10 pts	4-12 FG	2-5 3PT	0-0 FT	5 reb	3 ast	1 tov	2 stl	0 blk	2 PF	-7 +/-
Noah Clowney F	20 min	4 pts	1-6 FG	1-3 3PT	1-2 FT	4 reb	0 ast	1 tov	0 stl	1 blk	1 PF	+2 +/-
Mikel Brown Jr. G	20 min	8 pts	3-10 FG	2-6 3PT	0-0 FT	2 reb	5 ast	2 tov	2 stl	0 blk	3 PF	+0 +/-
Moritz Wagner C	14 min	6 pts	1-6 FG	1-2 3PT	3-4 FT	4 reb	1 ast	1 tov	0 stl	0 blk	2 PF	-12 +/-
Josh Minott F	9 min	4 pts	2-4 FG	0-2 3PT	0-0 FT	2 reb	0 ast	1 tov	0 stl	0 blk	1 PF	-4 +/-
Nolan Traore G	5 min	3 pts	1-2 FG	0-0 3PT	1-2 FT	2 reb	0 ast	1 tov	0 stl	0 blk	0 PF	-7 +/-
Team		121 pts	39-97 FG	20-49 3PT	23-27 FT	48 reb	23 ast	19 tov	11 stl	1 blk	30 PF

4 did not play: Terance Mann (coach's decision), Drake Powell (coach's decision), Danny Wolf (coach's decision), Ben Saraf (coach's decision)

Starters	Min	Pts	FG	3PT	FT	Reb	Ast	Tov	Stl	Blk	PF	+/-
Donovan Mitchell G	35 min	22 pts	7-15 FG	2-6 3PT	6-6 FT	5 reb	4 ast	4 tov	1 stl	1 blk	4 PF	+5 +/-
Evan Mobley C	35 min	20 pts	7-12 FG	2-3 3PT	4-7 FT	10 reb	4 ast	1 tov	2 stl	3 blk	2 PF	-8 +/-
James Harden G	33 min	12 pts	1-8 FG	1-6 3PT	9-11 FT	8 reb	7 ast	4 tov	0 stl	2 blk	2 PF	-3 +/-
Peyton Watson G	31 min	11 pts	4-11 FG	2-6 3PT	1-2 FT	3 reb	4 ast	2 tov	1 stl	1 blk	6 PF	-7 +/-
Jarrett Allen C	27 min	21 pts	7-8 FG	1-1 3PT	6-8 FT	8 reb	0 ast	3 tov	2 stl	1 blk	3 PF	+3 +/-
Bench	Min	Pts	FG	3PT	FT	Reb	Ast	Tov	Stl	Blk	PF	+/-
Sam Merrill G	21 min	7 pts	2-4 FG	1-3 3PT	2-2 FT	2 reb	3 ast	0 tov	0 stl	0 blk	3 PF	+7 +/-
Jaylon Tyson G	21 min	15 pts	6-12 FG	3-7 3PT	0-0 FT	1 reb	4 ast	2 tov	1 stl	0 blk	4 PF	+7 +/-
Mario Hezonja F	20 min	9 pts	3-5 FG	2-3 3PT	1-2 FT	5 reb	1 ast	4 tov	1 stl	0 blk	2 PF	+8 +/-
Tyrese Proctor G	11 min	5 pts	2-3 FG	1-2 3PT	0-0 FT	2 reb	3 ast	1 tov	1 stl	0 blk	1 PF	+6 +/-
Craig Porter Jr. G	5 min	3 pts	1-1 FG	1-1 3PT	0-0 FT	1 reb	1 ast	2 tov	0 stl	1 blk	1 PF	+2 +/-
Team		125 pts	40-79 FG	16-38 3PT	29-38 FT	45 reb	31 ast	23 tov	9 stl	9 blk	28 PF

4 did not play: Thomas Bryant (coach's decision), Tristan Enaruna (coach's decision), Meleek Thomas (coach's decision), Riley Minix (coach's decision)

How it went

key plays in our words · scores, lead changes, runs, timeouts and fouls on starters · play-by-play via ESPN

Q1 · BKN 30, CLE 35 (BKN 30–35 CLE in the period)

11:16FoulShooting foul on Sharpe (1 PF)
11:16Free throwAllen free throw 1 of 2 · CLE 1–0
11:16Free throwAllen free throw 2 of 2 · CLE 2–0
10:513-pointerWatson 3-pt jumper (assist: Harden) · CLE 5–0
10:403-pointerEllis 3-pt jumper (assist: Demin) · BKN 3–5
9:48FoulPersonal foul on Demin (1 PF)
9:273-pointerMobley 3-pt jumper (assist: Watson) · CLE 8–3
9:173-pointerSharpe 3-pt jumper (assist: Demin) · BKN 6–8
8:54FoulPersonal foul on Harden (1 PF)
8:44FoulShooting foul on Mitchell (1 PF)
8:44Free throwDemin free throw 1 of 2 · BKN 7–8
8:44Free throwDemin free throw 2 of 2 · BKN 8–8
8:28BasketAllen cutting dunk (assist: Harden) · CLE 10–8
8:16FoulPersonal foul on Allen (1 PF)
7:57BasketMitchell driving floater · CLE 12–8
7:453-pointerRandle 3-pt jumper (assist: Ellis) · BKN 11–12
7:17BasketRandle driving bank floater (assist: Demin) · BKN 13–12 lead change
7:17FoulShooting foul on Watson (1 PF)
7:17Free throwRandle free throw 1 of 1 · BKN 14–12
6:583-pointerMobley 3-pt jumper (assist: Harden) · CLE 15–14 lead change
6:453-pointerPorter Jr. 3-pt jumper (assist: Demin) · BKN 17–15 lead change
6:27BasketMobley driving layup (assist: Harden) · CLE 17–17
5:21BasketPorter Jr. hook shot (assist: Randle) · BKN 19–17
5:00BasketPorter Jr. driving bank floater · BKN 21–17
4:443-pointerHarden 3-pt jumper (assist: Tyson) · CLE 20–21
4:44FoulShooting foul on Ellis (1 PF)
4:44Free throwHarden free throw 1 of 1 · CLE 21–21
3:453-pointerClowney 3-pt jumper (assist: Johnson) · BKN 24–21
3:36Free throwAllen free throw 1 of 2 · CLE 22–24
3:00BasketMitchell driving floater · CLE 24–24
2:50Free throwWagner free throw 1 of 2 · BKN 25–24
2:29Free throwAllen free throw 1 of 2 · CLE 25–25
2:04BasketJohnson turnaround fadeaway jumper · BKN 27–25
1:56Free throwMitchell free throw 1 of 2 · CLE 26–27
1:56Free throwMitchell free throw 2 of 2 · CLE 27–27
1:44BasketTraore driving layup · BKN 29–27
58.9 sBasketAllen tip dunk · CLE 29–29
41.3 sFoulShooting foul on Mitchell (2 PF)
41.3 sFree throwTraore free throw 1 of 2 · BKN 30–29
32.1 s3-pointerTyson 3-pt pull-up jumper · CLE 32–30 lead change
0.0 s3-pointerHezonja 3-pt jumper (assist: Tyson) · CLE 35–30
0.0 sPeriodEnd of Q1 · CLE 35, BKN 30

Q2 · BKN 54, CLE 68 (BKN 24–33 CLE in the period)

11:433-pointerHezonja 3-pt jumper (assist: Merrill) · CLE 38–30 CLE 11–1 run
10:51Free throwMitchell free throw 1 of 2 · CLE 39–30
10:51Free throwMitchell free throw 2 of 2 · CLE 40–30
10:173-pointerJohnson 3-pt jumper (assist: Brown Jr.) · BKN 33–40
9:27BasketBrown Jr. pull-up jumper (assist: Wagner) · BKN 35–40
8:39FoulShooting foul on Sharpe (2 PF)
8:15BasketSharpe layup (assist: Randle) · BKN 37–40
7:54BasketMobley putback dunk · CLE 42–37
7:14BasketPorter Jr. cutting dunk (assist: Sharpe) · BKN 39–42
7:053-pointerPorter Jr. 3-pt jumper (assist: Proctor) · CLE 45–39
6:35Free throwPorter Jr. free throw 1 of 2 · BKN 40–45
6:35Free throwPorter Jr. free throw 2 of 2 · BKN 41–45
5:453-pointerEllis 3-pt jumper (assist: Demin) · BKN 44–45
5:293-pointerAllen 3-pt jumper (assist: Watson) · CLE 48–44
4:42BasketSharpe hook shot · BKN 46–48
4:30BasketAllen driving layup (assist: Porter Jr.) · CLE 50–46
4:04FoulFlagrant foul (type 1) on Sharpe (3 PF)
4:04Free throwHarden technical free throw · CLE 51–46
4:04Free throwHarden technical free throw · CLE 52–46
4:04Free throwHarden technical free throw · CLE 53–46
3:56FoulOffensive foul on Harden (2 PF)
3:45FoulOffensive foul on Ellis (2 PF)
3:30BasketMitchell driving finger-roll layup · CLE 55–46 CLE 10–2 run
3:093-pointerWatson 3-pt running jumper (assist: Proctor) · CLE 58–46
2:25BasketProctor running layup (assist: Harden) · CLE 60–46
2:053-pointerDemin 3-pt jumper (assist: Johnson) · BKN 49–60
1:42FoulShooting foul on Demin (2 PF)
1:42Free throwMobley free throw 2 of 2 · CLE 61–49
1:33Free throwDemin free throw 1 of 2 · BKN 50–61
1:33Free throwDemin free throw 2 of 2 · BKN 51–61
1:18FoulShooting foul on Demin (3 PF)
1:18Free throwMobley free throw 1 of 2 · CLE 62–51
1:18Free throwMobley free throw 2 of 2 · CLE 63–51
1:05FoulShooting foul on Mobley (1 PF)
1:05Free throwRandle free throw 1 of 2 · BKN 52–63
56.4 s3-pointerProctor 3-pt jumper (assist: Watson) · CLE 66–52
38.0 sBasketPorter Jr. layup (assist: Brown Jr.) · BKN 54–66
27.7 sBasketWatson layup · CLE 68–54
0.0 sPeriodHalftime · CLE 68, BKN 54

Q3 · BKN 80, CLE 96 (BKN 26–28 CLE in the period)

11:14Free throwAllen free throw 1 of 2 · CLE 69–54
11:14Free throwAllen free throw 2 of 2 · CLE 70–54
10:25BasketMitchell driving reverse layup (assist: Mobley) · CLE 72–54
9:27Free throwPorter Jr. free throw 1 of 2 · BKN 55–72
9:27Free throwPorter Jr. free throw 2 of 2 · BKN 56–72
8:233-pointerPorter Jr. 3-pt jumper (assist: Randle) · BKN 59–72
7:47BasketWatson fadeaway jumper (assist: Harden) · CLE 74–59
7:183-pointerMitchell 3-pt jumper (assist: Mobley) · CLE 77–59
6:56BasketPorter Jr. putback layup · BKN 61–77
6:223-pointerRandle 3-pt pull-up jumper · BKN 64–77
6:06BasketMobley turnaround fadeaway bank jumper (assist: Merrill) · CLE 79–64
6:06Free throwMobley free throw 1 of 1 · CLE 80–64
5:383-pointerMerrill 3-pt jumper (assist: Tyson) · CLE 83–64
5:27BasketRandle driving bank floater · BKN 66–83
5:27Free throwRandle free throw 1 of 1 · BKN 67–83
4:50BasketHezonja cutting layup (assist: Tyson) · CLE 85–67
4:24BasketRandle driving finger-roll layup · BKN 69–85
4:14BasketTyson cutting layup (assist: Harden) · CLE 87–69
4:03Free throwRandle free throw 1 of 2 · BKN 70–87
4:03Free throwRandle free throw 2 of 2 · BKN 71–87
3:00BasketMerrill running layup (assist: Mitchell) · CLE 89–71
2:37BasketMinott driving finger-roll layup (assist: Randle) · BKN 73–89
2:25BasketTyson driving layup · CLE 91–73
2:16Free throwWagner free throw 1 of 2 · BKN 74–91
2:16Free throwWagner free throw 2 of 2 · BKN 75–91
1:433-pointerWagner 3-pt jumper (assist: Brown Jr.) · BKN 78–91
1:23BasketAllen putback layup · CLE 93–78
54.0 sBasketJohnson running layup (assist: Brown Jr.) · BKN 80–93
4.8 s3-pointerMitchell 3-pt jumper (assist: Merrill) · CLE 96–80
0.0 sPeriodEnd of Q3 · CLE 96, BKN 80

Q4 · BKN 121, CLE 125 (BKN 41–29 CLE in the period)

11:053-pointerTyson 3-pt jumper (assist: Hezonja) · CLE 99–80
10:11BasketMitchell pull-up jumper (assist: Mobley) · CLE 101–80 CLE 10–2 run
9:42BasketMinott driving floater · BKN 82–101
9:293-pointerTyson 3-pt jumper (assist: Mitchell) · CLE 104–82 CLE 11–2 run
9:103-pointerBrown Jr. 3-pt step-back jumper · BKN 85–104
8:54BasketTyson driving dunk (assist: Mitchell) · CLE 106–85
8:383-pointerBrown Jr. 3-pt pull-up jumper · BKN 88–106
7:573-pointerDemin 3-pt jumper (assist: Porter Jr.) · BKN 91–106
7:42BasketMobley layup (assist: Proctor) · CLE 108–91
7:323-pointerDemin 3-pt pull-up jumper · BKN 94–108
7:103-pointerDemin 3-pt running pull-up jumper (assist: Randle) · BKN 97–108 BKN 12–2 run
6:54Free throwHarden technical free throw · CLE 109–97
6:54Free throwHarden technical free throw · CLE 110–97
6:48Free throwWatson free throw 1 of 2 · CLE 111–97
5:38Free throwHezonja free throw 2 of 2 · CLE 112–97
4:55BasketPorter Jr. turnaround fadeaway jumper (assist: Johnson) · BKN 99–112
4:33BasketAllen dunk (assist: Mobley) · CLE 114–99
4:03BasketAllen alley-oop dunk (assist: Watson) · CLE 116–99
3:543-pointerDemin 3-pt pull-up jumper · BKN 102–116
3:54Free throwDemin free throw 1 of 1 · BKN 103–116
3:313-pointerPorter Jr. 3-pt pull-up jumper · BKN 106–116
3:12Free throwMitchell free throw 1 of 2 · CLE 117–106
3:12Free throwMitchell free throw 2 of 2 · CLE 118–106
3:03Free throwClowney free throw 2 of 2 · BKN 107–118
2:11BasketMobley cutting finger-roll layup (assist: Mitchell) · CLE 120–107
2:04Free throwDemin free throw 1 of 2 · BKN 108–120
2:04Free throwDemin free throw 2 of 2 · BKN 109–120
1:33BasketRandle putback layup · BKN 111–120
1:03Free throwRandle free throw 1 of 2 · BKN 112–120
1:03Free throwRandle free throw 2 of 2 · BKN 113–120
33.6 s3-pointerJohnson 3-pt jumper (assist: Demin) · BKN 116–120 BKN 10–2 run
25.6 sFree throwHarden free throw 1 of 2 · CLE 121–116
25.6 sFree throwHarden free throw 2 of 2 · CLE 122–116
20.3 sBasketRandle driving dunk · BKN 118–122 BKN 11–2 run
19.8 sFree throwHarden free throw 2 of 2 · CLE 123–118
8.1 s3-pointerPorter Jr. 3-pt pull-up jumper (assist: Brown Jr.) · BKN 121–123
5.2 sFree throwMerrill free throw 1 of 2 · CLE 124–121
5.2 sFree throwMerrill free throw 2 of 2 · CLE 125–121
0.0 sPeriodFinal · CLE 125, BKN 121

The game-flow line (win probability): each is a prediction tool, still a work in progress. Turn on Prediction tools to try them. What are prediction tools?

Recap

Reported Cavaliers held off a late Nets surge to win their home opener

Cleveland beat Brooklyn by 4 pts, CLE 125, BKN 121, in its home opener. The Cavaliers led by as many as 22 pts, but the Nets scored 41 pts in the fourth quarter to make it close. Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 22 pts, Jarrett Allen added 21 pts on 7-8 FG and Evan Mobley put up 20 pts and 10 reb.

Sources: Box score via ESPN · ESPN note

Also in the picture (3)

Brooklyn closed the gap before Cleveland's free throws sealed it
With 8.1 s left, Michael Porter Jr. hit a pull-up jumper from deep that cut the score to BKN 121, CLE 123. Sam Merrill then made both free throws with 5.2 s left to finish it at CLE 125, BKN 121.
Sources: Play-by-play via ESPN
Reported Porter Jr. and Demin led the Nets in the loss
Michael Porter Jr. had 28 pts on 10-18 FG, with 9 reb and 4 stl in 33 min. Egor Demin scored 22 pts and had 6 ast, and Julius Randle added 23 pts on 7-12 FG.
Sources: Box score via ESPN · RotoWire note
Opinion Locked On Cavs host said Nets' ball pressure caused trouble
Danny Cunningham of Locked On Cavs said Brooklyn's increased ball pressure led to fouling and several Nets fouling out. He also argued it showed how to beat Cleveland: make the Cavaliers work to bring the ball up, which disrupts Mitchell and James Harden. Cleveland committed 23 tov.
Sources: Locked On Cavs “Cleveland Cavaliers Earn First Win While Surviving” at 6:41, 7:18 · Box score via ESPN

Recap written Oct 25, 1:13 PM ET by our system from the box score and the posts linked, in our own words. Rumors and opinions are labelled.

Things to watch

set before tip, answered from the box score after

Does Mikel Brown Jr. play limited minutes? Answered
Erik Slater (X): Why Nets rookie Mikel Brown Jr.’s minutes restriction won’t change ‘anytime soon’
What happened: Played 20 min, 8 pts, 2 reb, 5 ast

Before the game: the story

Reported Cavs look to recover after blowing 29-point lead in Philadelphia

ESPN reports Cleveland's opener ended in a 114-106 loss after the 76ers came back from 29 points down behind Tyrese Maxey's 32. RotoWire notes Donovan Mitchell scored 32 points with 10 rebounds and Evan Mobley added 18 in the defeat.

Sources: ESPN: “James, Embiid, Maxey spark 76ers' rally from 29 points down in home op…” · RotoWire note: Donovan Mitchell · RotoWire note: Evan Mobley · ESPN: “Cavs coach Atkinson 'depressed' when LeBron deal fell through”

Also in the picture (3)

Opinion Nets search for answers after opening loss in Charlotte
ESPN reports Brooklyn fell 110-103 to the Hornets despite Michael Porter Jr.'s 26 points, according to RotoWire. On Locked On Nets, Erik Slater pointed out that Josh Minott never got off the bench and that Chaney Johnson had a "pretty awful" night. The Mismatch says Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf got DNPs.
Sources: ESPN: “Naz Reid has 20 points and 11 rebounds in his Charlotte debut as the H…” · RotoWire note: Michael Porter · Locked On Nets “ANALYST: How CONCERNING Was Brooklyn Nets' Seaon-O” at 17:22 · Locked On Nets “BOLD Brooklyn Nets Predictions: Julius Randle An A” at 20:02, 20:50 · The Mismatch “The Return of Loves and Loathes. Plus: A Historic” at 52:10
Reported Injuries thin both frontcourts
Ernest Udeh Jr. and Khalifa Diop are out for Cleveland. Brooklyn's Tyler Bilodeau is out with a shoulder injury. Chris Fedor of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports Nae'Qwan Tomlin will miss several weeks with a lower back stress reaction. Locked On Cavs relayed that Jarrett Allen was listed questionable for the opener with right patellar tendinopathy.
Sources: Ernest Udeh Jr. status (NBA report) · Khalifa Diop status (NBA report) · Tyler Bilodeau status (ESPN) · Nae'Qwan Tomlin status (ESPN) · Locked On Cavs “The Latest on the Injury to Jarrett Allen and Prev” at 1:55
Reported Harden, Randle and Watson bring new faces to both teams
James Harden and Peyton Watson are new to Cleveland after playing last season with the Clippers and Nuggets. Julius Randle joins Brooklyn from Minnesota. The Cavaliers also exercised Jaylon Tyson's fourth-year option for 2027-28.
Sources: Roster: James Harden · Roster: Peyton Watson · Roster: Julius Randle · RotoWire note: Jaylon Tyson · @dannycunningham.bsky.social on Bluesky

Written by our system from the reports, posts and podcasts linked here, in our own words; written Oct 24, 3:05 PM ET, before tip. Rumors and opinions are labelled.

Since the final

posted after the final · newest first · official report, X, Bluesky, RotoWire, ESPN

ESPNBKNTyler BilodeauOut17 h ago
Bilodeau (shoulder) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Indiana.
Right, Shoulder, Sprain (return est. 2026-10-27)ESPN · Original ↗
ESPNBKNMikel Brown Jr.Out20 h ago
Head coach Jordi Fernandez said Brown (rest) will be held out of Sunday's game against the Pacers, Brian Lewis of the New York Post reports.
Rest (return est. 2026-10-27)ESPN · Original ↗
RotoWireBKNMichael Porter32 h ago
Michael Porter: Well-rounded effort in loss — Porter produced 28 points (10-18 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 4-4 FT), nine rebounds, four steals and one assist across 33 minutes in Saturday's 125-121 loss to the Cavaliers.
RotoWire · Original ↗

Injuries at tip

official report 35 h ago · as of tip, Oct 24, 7:30 PM ET

BKN Brooklyn Nets

Started Randle, Porter Jr., Demin, Sharpe, Ellis box score

Tyler BilodeauOut
Bilodeau (shoulder) has been ruled out for Saturday's game in Cleveland.
Shoulder (return est. 2026-10-25) · ESPN Oct 23

CLE Cleveland Cavaliers

Started Mitchell, Mobley, Harden, Watson, Allen box score

Ernest Udeh Jr.Out
G League - Two-Way · NBA report 35 h ago
Khalifa DiopOut
Injury/Illness - Left Knee Injury Management · NBA report 35 h ago
Nae'Qwan TomlinOut
Tomlin is set to miss several weeks with a lower back stress reaction, Chris Fedor of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Back (return est. 2026-11-16) · ESPN Oct 20

Latest news

posted before tip · newest first · official report, X, Bluesky, RotoWire, ESPN

XBKNMikel Brown Jr.Available36 h ago
Fernandez: Mikel Brown Jr. (injury management) will play Saturday, ruled out for Sunday.
@UnderdogNBA · View on X
XBKNMikel Brown Jr.36 h ago
#Nets coach Jordi Fernandez confirmed that Mikel Brown Jr. will be held out of the tail end of the back to back tomorrow vs the #Pacers, regardless of how many minutes he logs tonight in Cleveland. #nba #Cavs
@NYPost_Lewis · View on X
RotoWireCLEEvan MobleyOct 23
Evan Mobley: Solid numbers in season-opening loss — Mobley notched 18 points (7-13 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 3-3 FT), eight rebounds and two assists across 34 minutes in Thursday's 114-106 loss to the 76ers.
RotoWire · Original ↗
RotoWireCLEDonovan MitchellOct 22
Donovan Mitchell: Erupts for 32 points in loss — Mitchell finished with 32 points (11-19 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 8-11 FT), 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block in 35 minutes during Thursday's 114-106 loss to the 76ers.
RotoWire · Original ↗
RotoWireCLEJarrett AllenAvailableOct 22
Jarrett Allen: Good to go for season opener — Allen (knee) is active for Thursday's game against the 76ers.
RotoWire · Original ↗also reported by @UnderdogNBA, Chris Fedor of The Cleveland Plain Dealer, ESPN
ESPNCLEJarrett AllenDay-to-dayOct 22
Allen (knee) said he expects to play Thursday against the 76ers, Chris Fedor of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Right, Knee (return est. 2026-10-22)ESPN · Original ↗
XCLEJarrett AllenQuestionableOct 22
#Cavs Jarrett Allen (knee; questionable) is here at shootaround this morning.
@ChrisFedor · View on X
XBKNOct 21
I spoke about this on a recent pod: Chaney Johnson is a tough sell playing alongside Day'Ron Sharpe or Moe Wagner. I like what he offers as a defender and rebounder, but he's very limited in terms of wing skills on offense. It's looked clunky thus far when he's out there.
@ErikSlater_ · View on X

Show 2 older items

XBKNOct 21
Egor Dëmin, Keon Ellis, Michael Porter Jr., Julius Randle and Day’Ron Sharpe will start for Nets in season-opener against Hornets
@IanBegley · View on X
ESPNCLEKhalifa DiopAbout an earlier gameOct 21
Diop (knee) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the 76ers.
Left, Knee (return est. 2026-10-24)ESPN · Original ↗

Schedule & travel · referees

	BKN	CLE
Days of rest	2	1
Back-to-back	No	No
Games in last 7 days	1	1
Travel to this game (est.)	405 mi	358 mi
Travel last 7 days (est.)	405 mi	358 mi
Time zones crossed	0	0
Road trip game #	1	—

Travel is the straight-line distance between arenas from the schedule, an estimate; in the first week they include preseason games. These numbers describe the schedule; they are not a prediction of how a team will play.

Referees: Courtney Kirkland, Eric Dalen, Suyash Mehta

After the game

posted after the final · newest 16 h ago · sources checked 5 h ago · each item links to where it came from

BKN Brooklyn Nets

X Erik Slater (@ErikSlater_) · Report · 16 h ago
For those asking about Mikel’s back injury management designation, this minutes restriction was always about more than his ankle. It’s about managing his initial workload after he missed the second half of last season and most of the preseason. Jordi Fernandez quote to me ahead
original post ↗
Outlook Locked On Nets · 3 points · 30 h ago
- Host would be very surprised if MPJ isn't on another team by February. at 8:46
- Mikel Brown Jr and Egor Demin did not play together in the preseason finale (Brown's debut), in the opener, or in the first three and a half quarters of this game. Fernandez then paired them in the fourth. at 14:11
- Host describes Mikel Brown Jr's uneven minutes: he entered with about five minutes left in the first, played little in the second, and returned in the third with about five minutes left. The host thinks this makes it hard to find a rhythm. at 15:16
“Brooklyn Nets' WILD Comeback vs. Cavs Falls Short | Where MPJ, Randle MUST Step Up + Mikel’s Odd Role” · listen ↗
X Erik Slater (@ErikSlater_) · Report · 17 h ago
As expected, Mikel Brown Jr. is out for tonight’s back-to-back vs. the Pacers. His status on the injury report says back injury management. Tyler Bilodeau remains out with his right shoulder sprain.
original post ↗
News ESPN · Story · 31 h ago
Cavaliers survive a late Nets rally to win home opener 125-121
— Donovan Mitchell scored 22 points, Jarrett Allen added 21 points, and the Cleveland Cavaliers won their home opener, 125-121 over the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night.
source ↗

CLE Cleveland Cavaliers

News ESPN · Story · 31 h ago
Cavaliers survive a late Nets rally to win home opener 125-121
— Donovan Mitchell scored 22 points, Jarrett Allen added 21 points, and the Cleveland Cavaliers won their home opener, 125-121 over the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night.
source ↗
Rotation Locked On Cavs · 2 points · 28 h ago
- Danny Cunningham: The Cavs played 10 players. Everyone except Jarrett Allen had at least one assist, and seven had three or more. Mobley, Watson and Mitchell had four assists each. at 17:44
- Danny Cunningham: Tyrese Proctor played well, especially in his first stint, and played more minutes than Craig Porter Jr. Part of the reason was Sam Merrill's foul trouble. at 21:26
“Cleveland Cavaliers Earn First Win While Surviving Scare Against Brooklyn Nets” · listen ↗
RotoWire RotoWire · Report · 32 h ago
Evan Mobley: Double-doubles with five stocks — Mobley tallied 20 points (7-12 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 4-7 FT), 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals and three blocks over 35 minutes in Saturday's 125-121 win over the Nets.
source ↗
Rotation Locked On Cavs · 2 points · 31 h ago
- Chaz said that once the momentum shifts with a big lead, the team has to settle on a lineup group (not necessarily the starters) to hold the lead and weather the opponent's run. at 2:58
- Tim said Mitchell's fourth-quarter rest 'can be' an issue. He acknowledged the team is still working out rotations and substitution patterns in game two, but said the coach Kenny Atkinson sometimes has to abandon the plan during an opponent's run. name not confirmed at 3:42
“CAVS POSTCAST: Cleveland Cavaliers Blow Lead but SURVIVE as Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen Deliver” · listen ↗

Reporters, insiders and team podcasts after the final. Podcast items are our short summaries, credited to who said it. Rumors and opinions are labelled and are not checked facts.

Before the game, they said

newest Oct 24 · reporters, insiders, ESPN and team podcasts · each item links to where it came from

BKN Brooklyn Nets

Rotation The Mismatch host · Report · Oct 23 wording unclear in audio
Nets young players Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf got DNPs. The Nets' bench used Mo Wagner and Noah Clowney.
“The Return of Loves and Loathes. Plus: A Historic Thursday Night.” at 52:10 · listen ↗
Rotation Erik Slater, Locked On Nets · Report · Oct 23
Chaney Johnson was in the opening-day rotation and had what Slater calls a 'pretty awful' season opener. Slater infers the team clearly likes him, or he wouldn't be in the rotation.
“BOLD Brooklyn Nets Predictions: Julius Randle An All-Star? An MPJ Trade? Mikel Brown Jr.'s Outlook?” at 20:02 · listen ↗
Rotation Locked On Nets · 2 points · Oct 23
- Erik Slater: With four or five minutes left, Jordi Fernandez went small, bringing in Noah Clowney for Sharpe. The host's paraphrase of the reason was that they couldn't guard. at 15:47
- Lewis predicted the assist-to-turnover problem will improve once Mikel Brown Jr. eventually joins the starting lineup and brings downhill drives, so Egor Demin handles the ball less. This implies Brown is not starting now. at 7:24
“ANALYST: How CONCERNING Was Brooklyn Nets' Seaon-Opening STINKER? Are Team's Issues Fixable?” · listen ↗
Rotation Locked On Nets host · Report · Oct 22
Egor Demin played point guard and was hounded by Dennis Schroeder from the start of the game.
“LETDOWN: Brooklyn Nets Are OUTWORKED By Charlotte Hornets In Season-Opening LOSS | What Went WRONG?” at 13:51 · listen ↗

CLE Cleveland Cavaliers

Availability Locked On Cavs host · Report · Oct 24
Mikel Brown Jr. (also), a Nets rookie and the sixth pick, missed the start of camp with an ankle sprain and the first three preseason games. He debuted in the preseason finale, came off the bench in the opener, and is on a minutes restriction.
“Previewing the Cleveland Cavaliers Home Opener Against the Brooklyn Nets with Erik Slater” at 15:18 · listen ↗
Rotation Locked On NBA host · Report · Oct 23
Jarrett Allen subbed out after the first bad run of the third quarter, and so did Mitchell, leaving Mobley with Harden. Moore questioned why Atkinson uses this as the base setup.
“The Cavaliers Need Help | James Dolan Is The WORST” at 6:06 · listen ↗
Rotation Locked On Cavs host · Report · Oct 23
Peyton Watson is the new player in Cleveland's starting five.
“Cleveland Cavaliers Collapse On Opening Night in Philadelphia Against LeBron James and the Sixers” at 15:31 · listen ↗
Rotation Locked On Cavs · 2 points · Oct 22
- During Philadelphia's first run, the hosts questioned why Atkinson had not called a timeout and why Sam Merrill was the lead ball handler. at 1:56
- Nae'Qwan Tomlin is said to be out for three weeks. No reason or source is given. at 8:20
“CAVS POSTCAST: Kenny Atkinson BLAMED; Cleveland Cavaliers BLOW Massive Lead to LeBron James & 76ers” · listen ↗
Availability Cavaliers injury report (reported), via Locked On Cavs · Relayed report · Oct 22
Jarrett Allen is listed questionable on the Cavs' injury report for the opener with right patellar tendinopathy.
“The Latest on the Injury to Jarrett Allen and Previewing the Cleveland Cavaliers Opener Against Philadelphia w” at 1:55 · listen ↗

Podcast items are our short summaries, credited to who said it. Rumors and opinions are labelled and are not checked facts. Each visit shows a different mix of the latest items; the first two are the most newsworthy.

Brooklyn Nets at Cleveland Cavaliers, Sat, Oct 24: final, Cavaliers 125, Nets 121

This game

Final box score

How it went

Q4 · BKN 121, CLE 125 (BKN 41–29 CLE in the period)

Reported Cavaliers held off a late Nets surge to win their home opener

Things to watch

Reported Cavs look to recover after blowing 29-point lead in Philadelphia

Since the final

Injuries at tip

BKN Brooklyn Nets

CLE Cleveland Cavaliers

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