Cleveland Crushes Wizards With Scoring Fireworks
The arena was buzzing with fresh posters and a sold‑out crowd that felt like the city itself was celebrating.
The game marked the first night of a new era for Cleveland, and the energy was electric when James Harden’s name rang out over the speakers.
Cleveland didn’t let hype turn into a fluke. They opened fast, hitting six of seven shots and taking a 21‑5 lead in the first four minutes. The pace was calm, almost methodical—like a team studying its opponent rather than rushing.
Washington’s Sharife Cooper sparked a brief comeback in the second quarter, scoring 11 points in seven minutes and narrowing Cleveland’s advantage to a single digit. That surge was short‑lived.
Enter Sam Merrill, who lit up the night with nine straight three‑pointers and 26 points in the first half. He read defenders, timed his shots, and seemed to ignore pressure altogether. The crowd cheered so loudly that a momentary pause was mistaken for a timeout.
At halftime, Cleveland led by 15 points. The absence of Washington’s center left the Cavs’ big man, Jarrett Allen, free to dominate. He shot perfectly from the floor and grabbed five rebounds, while also blocking shots on defense.
In the third quarter, Washington briefly narrowed the gap with a 12‑2 run and aggressive paint attacks. Allen responded by getting technical after a foul, then played with renewed intensity, scoring from inside and out.
Donovan Mitchell capitalized on the shift, pouring in 14 of his 30 points and creating opportunities for teammates. Cleveland’s defense tightened, and the Wizards never regained the lead.
The fourth quarter saw Cleveland extend their advantage to 19 points, with Merrill finishing on a career‑high 32 points and nearly matching a franchise record for three‑pointers. Allen added 21 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks, while Harden delivered 13 points and 11 assists in his debut.
The Cavaliers’ ability to stay focused amid the noise showed they’re learning the difference between hype and consistent play. They entered the next game with a well‑deserved break, ready to keep building their new identity.
