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<img alt="Cleveland Cavaliers leading the league in a key category over last five games" width="880" height="495" src="http://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,e_improve,h_513,w_912,x_0,y_0/c_fill,f_auto,h_495,q_auto,w_880/v1/m/a/2/a2095ae0b18946140ef9d71c0e5bf86f42907167/01kef1m900r70vgxqq5v.jpg">

Cleveland Cavaliers leading the league in a key category over last five games

Despite a season marked by inconsistency, the Cleveland Cavaliers are finally showing signs that momentum may be shifting in their favor. While the overall record may not yet reflect a true turnaround, recent performances suggest a team beginning to rediscover its identity, particularly on the defensive end of the floor.

<div class='aalc' id='aalc_12_43299614' style='display: none;'></div> <div class='cell small-12 rfi-header'><div class='grid-x'><div class='cell shrink rfi-logo'><a href='/nba/teams/cleveland_cavaliers/69' title='Cleveland Cavaliers'><img width='32' height='32' alt='Cleveland Cavaliers' src='/uploads/logo/image/1288/Cavaliers150x150.jpg' class='yard_taxon_logo'></a></div><div class='cell auto rfi-text'><a href='/nba/teams/cleveland_cavaliers/69'>Cleveland Cavaliers News</a><span>&nbsp;/ <a href='https://www.si.com/nba/cavaliers' rel='nofollow'>Cleveland Cavaliers on SI</a> / <span class='rfi-date' data-yb-time='1767813396'>January 7</span></span></div></div></div>
<img class="rfi-img" alt="Former Cavaliers player hates rule that is hurting team before trade deadline" width="800" height="320" src="http://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,e_improve,h_365,w_912,x_0,y_42/c_fill,f_auto,h_320,q_auto,w_800/v1/m/d/9/d9c9bfd0cd739bfca0f930ce9836ac84bbafeb6e/01kecg14fhf3ddrf002g.jpg">
<h2><a href='/nba/articles/former_cavaliers_player_hates_rule_that_is_hurting_team_before_trade_deadline/s1_17132_43299614'>Former Cavaliers player hates rule that is hurting team before trade deadline</a></h2>

The Cleveland Cavaliers have played 38 games and sport a 21-17 overall record that slots them as the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference. For a team that was projected to compete for an NBA Championship, this has been a disappointing season.

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<div class="lzy loading it-standard_wide"><img class="lazyload rfi-img" alt="Cavaliers top Pacers 120-116, without Donavan Mitchell" data-src="http://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,e_improve,h_800,w_2000,x_0,y_255/c_fill,f_auto,h_320,q_auto,w_800/v1/m/9/8/98c04047b6a9b1f1344629ad16632f3433738ce4/jan-6-2026-indianapolis-indiana-usa-cleveland.jpg"></div>
<h2><a href='/nba/articles/cavaliers_top_pacers_120_116_without_donavan_mitchell/s1_17395_43298339'>Cavaliers top Pacers 120-116, without Donavan Mitchell</a></h2>

<a href="/nba/players/darius_garland/594893">Darius Garland</a> delivered when it mattered most, scoring 14 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter as the Cleveland Cavaliers closed the game on a decisive 13-point run to pull away from the Indiana Pacers for a 120-116 victory Tuesday night.

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<h2><a href='https://www.fearthesword.com/cavs-news/42681/cavs-provide-dissapointing-update-on-max-struss-injured-foot'>Cavs provide dissapointing update on Max Strus’s injured <nobr>foot <img src='/images/icons/icon-open-new.png'></nobr></a></h2>

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been without their ideal starting small forward, <a href="/nba/players/max_strus/496174">Max Strus</a>, for the whole season. He suffered a Jones Fracture to his left foot during an offseason workout at the end of August.

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<h2><a href='/nba/articles/the_active_nba_all_star_game_leaders_quiz/s1__43293898'>The 'Active NBA All-Star game leaders' quiz</a></h2>

How many of the active NBA players to be selected to five or more All-Star games in their career?

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<div class="lzy loading it-standard_wide"><img class="lazyload rfi-img" alt="Cavs’ Darius Garland: ‘Our first three quarters need to be like our fourth’" data-src="http://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,e_improve,h_800,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_fill,f_auto,h_320,q_auto,w_800/v1/m/f/6/f6f11e016d23eae065f2aba7bfe6040f93bf685d/jan-6-2026-indianapolis-indiana-usa-cleveland.jpg"></div>
<h2><a href='/nba/articles/cavs_darius_garland_our_first_three_quarters_need_to_be_like_our_fourth/s1_17038_43297204'>Cavs’ Darius Garland: ‘Our first three quarters need to be like our fourth’</a></h2>

With no <a href="/nba/players/donovan_mitchell/516349">Donovan Mitchell</a> around to bail them out, the Cavaliers needed someone else to take over Tuesday night. <a href="/nba/players/darius_garland/594893">Darius Garland</a>, anyone? Down nine going

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<div class="lzy loading it-standard_wide"><img class="lazyload rfi-img" alt="The 25 greatest rivalries in NBA history" data-src="http://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,e_improve,h_800,w_2000,x_0,y_152/c_fill,f_auto,h_320,q_auto,w_800/v1/m/d/a/da8bbd989573ca312d600b850431a2f834000f23/25-greatest-rivalries-nba-history.jpg"></div>
<h2><a href='/nba/articles/the_25_greatest_rivalries_in_nba_history/s1__43258044'>The 25 greatest rivalries in NBA history</a></h2>

Part of what makes the NBA, or any pro sports league, so compelling to watch is the narratives, especially those centered on rivalries. Throughout the decades, the NBA has fostered a number of rivalries, some long-lasting and others short but sweet.

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<div class="lzy loading it-standard_wide"><img class="lazyload rfi-img" alt="Cavs get version of Darius Garland they need in rallying by Pacers" data-src="http://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,e_improve,h_800,w_2000,x_0,y_74/c_fill,f_auto,h_320,q_auto,w_800/v1/m/5/f/5fea2fb838fbb4f6c97dc6af3d000f8def0b34fa/jan-6-2026-indianapolis-indiana-usa-cleveland.jpg"></div>
<h2><a href='/nba/articles/cavs_get_version_of_darius_garland_they_need_in_rallying_by_pacers/s1_17038_43296594'>Cavs get version of Darius Garland they need in rallying by Pacers</a></h2>

The Cavaliers flirted with a bad loss. Then <a href="/nba/players/darius_garland/594893">Darius Garland</a> slammed the door. Shorthanded again and down nine in the fourth quarter, Cleveland rallied past the Pacers for a 120-116 road win Tuesday, leaning heavily on Garland when it mattered most.

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<div class="lzy loading it-standard_wide"><img class="lazyload rfi-img" alt="Cavaliers rally to hand Pacers franchise-record 13th straight loss" data-src="http://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,e_improve,h_800,w_2000,x_0,y_152/c_fill,f_auto,h_320,q_auto,w_800/v1/m/d/4/d45620dd61aad5565bd6df2ea3dde141a8b4304e/cavaliers-rally-hand-pacers-franchise-record-13th.jpg"></div>
<h2><a href='/nba/articles/cavaliers_rally_to_hand_pacers_franchise_record_13th_straight_loss/s1_17045_43296496'>Cavaliers rally to hand Pacers franchise-record 13th straight loss</a></h2>

<a href="/nba/players/darius_garland/594893">Darius Garland</a> posted 29 points and six assists as the Cleveland Cavaliers beat Indiana 120-116 on Tuesday night in Indianapolis, sending the Pacers to their franchise-record 13th consecutive loss.

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<h2><a href='https://www.fearthesword.com/cavs-analysis/42650/winners-and-losers-cavs-at-pacers-technical-difficulties-rob-us-of-a-cpj-masterclass'>Winners and Losers: Cavs at Pacers – Technical difficulties rob us of a CPJ <nobr>masterclass <img src='/images/icons/icon-open-new.png'></nobr></a></h2>

The Cleveland Cavaliers snuck out of Indiana with a win. But you might not have been able to see it happen live. Let’s see who won and lost the game. I mean, come on?

<div class='cell small-12 rfi-header'><div class='grid-x'><div class='cell shrink rfi-logo'><img src='/images/logos/131006_YBlogos_L_Bug.jpg' width='28' height='28'></div><div class='cell auto rfi-text'>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/newsletter/quiz_of_the_day/about/2?sf=qotd_promo_carousel'>Click here to get Yardbarker's Quiz of the Day emailed to you!</a></div></div></div>
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<div class="lzy loading it-small_16_9"><img class="lazyload rfi-img" alt="The 'Most sacks in an NFL season' quiz" data-src="http://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,e_improve,h_914,w_1628,x_268,y_68/c_fill,f_auto,h_225,q_auto,w_400/v1/m/6/2/62ac574bb8515a967f10ab6b533240e0ce86fbc2/sacks-nfl-season-quiz.jpg"></div> The 'Most sacks in an NFL season' quiz
<div class="lzy loading it-small_16_9"><img class="lazyload rfi-img" alt="The 'Last 4K-yard passer by NFL team' quiz" data-src="http://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,e_improve,h_431,w_769,x_643,y_237/c_fill,f_auto,h_225,q_auto,w_400/v1/m/5/1/512aeb847c6cccc00cae1f86e17b9cb6b62eabba/last-4k-yard-passer-nfl-team-quiz.jpg"></div> The 'Last 4K-yard passer by NFL team' quiz
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<div class="lzy loading it-standard_wide"><img class="lazyload rfi-img" alt="What Happened to Dean Wade? Cavs Star Exits Pacers Game After Injury" data-src="http://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,e_improve,h_800,w_2000,x_0,y_31/c_fill,f_auto,h_320,q_auto,w_800/v1/m/c/a/cabaa95f79d56f32dba75f0f84cbf31b739d1055/dec-25-2025-new-york-new-york-usa-cleveland.jpg"></div>
<h2><a href='/nba/articles/what_happened_to_dean_wade_cavs_star_exits_pacers_game_after_injury/s1_17730_43296425'>What Happened to Dean Wade? Cavs Star Exits Pacers Game After Injury</a></h2>

Tonight, as the Cleveland Cavaliers faced their division rival, the Indiana Pacers, one key player had to exit the game early. Cavs forward <a href="/nba/players/dean_wade/432808">Dean Wade</a> exited tonight’s game with an early injury.

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<div class="lzy loading it-standard_wide"><img class="lazyload rfi-img" alt="Report: No indication Cavs preparing for significant roster changes" data-src="http://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,e_improve,h_800,w_2000,x_0,y_152/c_fill,f_auto,h_320,q_auto,w_800/v1/m/d/1/d1ee87b8825e68aad2b099802145e4f6b426c21b/jan-4-2026-cleveland-ohio-usa-cleveland-cavaliers.jpg"></div>
<h2><a href='/nba/articles/report_no_indication_cavs_preparing_for_significant_roster_changes/s1_17038_43295628'>Report: No indication Cavs preparing for significant roster changes</a></h2>

The Cavaliers are paying like a contender. They just aren’t playing like one at the moment. Cleveland currently has the most expensive roster in the NBA and is the league’s only team over the second apron.

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<div class="lzy loading it-standard_wide"><img class="lazyload rfi-img" alt="Cavs rebuffing trade inquiries on core, for now" data-src="http://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,e_improve,h_800,w_2000,x_0,y_152/c_fill,f_auto,h_320,q_auto,w_800/v1/m/c/2/c242bd3705210ad01702552a94a1920e78e84523/jan-4-2026-cleveland-ohio-usa-cleveland-cavaliers.jpg"></div>
<h2><a href='/nba/articles/cavs_rebuffing_trade_inquiries_on_core_for_now/s1_17038_43295322'>Cavs rebuffing trade inquiries on core, for now</a></h2>

The Cavaliers aren’t shopping their core, but the rest of the league hasn’t stopped watching. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, teams around the NBA are keeping a close eye on Cleveland’s situation, well aware of the Cavs’ tightening cap and tax picture.

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<div class="lzy loading it-standard_wide"><img class="lazyload rfi-img" alt="Cavaliers look to find win over league-worst Pacers, build up hot streak" data-src="http://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,e_improve,h_365,w_912,x_0,y_42/c_fill,f_auto,h_320,q_auto,w_800/v1/m/6/0/6001202d723ace0320b7b78afc93c26b5b614a25/01keae0r6ay0a65zppaz.jpg"></div>
<h2><a href='/nba/articles/cavaliers_look_to_find_win_over_league_worst_pacers_build_up_hot_streak/s1_17132_43295258'>Cavaliers look to find win over league-worst Pacers, build up hot streak</a></h2>

"It's time to get the season back on track." That's what the Cleveland Cavaliers should be saying to one another ahead of Tuesday night's game against the Indiana Pacers.

<div class='aalc' id='aalc_12_43294934' style='display: none;'></div> <div class='cell small-12 rfi-header'><div class='grid-x'><div class='cell shrink rfi-logo'><a href='/nba/teams/cleveland_cavaliers/69' title='Cleveland Cavaliers'><img width='32' height='32' alt='Cleveland Cavaliers' data-src='/uploads/logo/image/1288/Cavaliers150x150.jpg' class='yard_taxon_logo lazyload'></a></div><div class='cell auto rfi-text'><a href='/nba/players/max_strus/496174'>Max Strus News</a><span>&nbsp;/ <a href='https://hoopswire.com/' rel='nofollow'>Hoops Wire</a> / <span class='rfi-date' data-yb-time='1767731713'>January 6</span></span></div></div></div>
<div class="lzy loading it-standard_wide"><img class="lazyload rfi-img" alt="Cavs’ Max Strus still not close to season debut" data-src="http://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,e_improve,h_800,w_2000,x_0,y_15/c_fill,f_auto,h_320,q_auto,w_800/v1/m/8/2/82c51bdd1d8b6af5129a660bc6b8a2ff2edf0836/sep-29-2025-cleveland-oh-usa-cleveland-cavaliers.jpg"></div>
<h2><a href='/nba/articles/cavs_max_strus_still_not_close_to_season_debut/s1_17038_43294934'>Cavs’ Max Strus still not close to season debut</a></h2>

The Cavaliers aren’t close to getting <a href="/nba/players/max_strus/496174">Max Strus</a> back. Cleveland announced that Strus recently underwent evaluation and imaging on his surgically repaired left foot, and while the results showed “positive progress,” the Jones fracture still needs more time to heal.

<div class='aalc' id='aalc_12_43294944' style='display: none;'></div> <div class='cell small-12 rfi-header'><div class='grid-x'><div class='cell shrink rfi-logo'><a href='/nba/teams/cleveland_cavaliers/69' title='Cleveland Cavaliers'><img width='32' height='32' alt='Cleveland Cavaliers' data-src='/uploads/logo/image/1288/Cavaliers150x150.jpg' class='yard_taxon_logo lazyload'></a></div><div class='cell auto rfi-text'><a href='/nba/players/donovan_mitchell/516349'>Donovan Mitchell News</a><span>&nbsp;/ <a href='https://fieldlevelmedia.com/basketball/nba/' rel='nofollow'>Field Level Media</a> / <span class='rfi-date' data-yb-time='1767738054'>January 6</span></span></div></div></div>
<div class="lzy loading it-standard_wide"><img class="lazyload rfi-img" alt="Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell (rest) out vs. Pacers" data-src="http://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,e_improve,h_440,w_1099,x_0,y_84/c_fill,f_auto,h_320,q_auto,w_800/v1/m/c/8/c81fdb7453e6638d13aa3a7c3fe9caf39fc07f86/27932403.jpg"></div>
<h2><a href='/nba/articles/cavaliers_star_donovan_mitchell_rest_out_vs_pacers/s1_17045_43294944'>Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell (rest) out vs. Pacers</a></h2>

Cleveland Cavaliers star guard <a href="/nba/players/donovan_mitchell/516349">Donovan Mitchell</a> has been ruled out of Tuesday's game against the host Indiana Pacers due to rest. Mitchell, 29, boasts team-best averages in points (29.8), assists (5.4) and steals (1.5) in 34 games this season.

<div class='aalc' id='aalc_12_43289764' style='display: none;'></div> <div class='cell small-12 rfi-header'><div class='grid-x'><div class='cell shrink rfi-logo'><a href='/nba/teams/cleveland_cavaliers/69' title='Cleveland Cavaliers'><img width='32' height='32' alt='Cleveland Cavaliers' data-src='/uploads/logo/image/1288/Cavaliers150x150.jpg' class='yard_taxon_logo lazyload'></a></div><div class='cell auto rfi-text'><a href='/nba/teams/cleveland_cavaliers/69'>Cleveland Cavaliers News</a><span>&nbsp;/ <a href='https://clutchpoints.com/nba/' rel='nofollow'>NBA on ClutchPoints</a> / <span class='rfi-date' data-yb-time='1767636708'>January 5</span></span></div></div></div>
<div class="lzy loading it-standard_wide"><img class="lazyload rfi-img" alt="Cavs’ Kenny Atkinson, Donovan Mitchell find common denominator to blame for turnovers" data-src="http://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,e_improve,h_640,w_1600,x_0,y_74/c_fill,f_auto,h_320,q_auto,w_800/v1/m/b/1/b121c8d1bad12a0faa69e9fb84b77d9ffcec4d2c/Cavs-Kenny-Atkinson-Donovan-Mitchell-find-common-denominator-to-blame-for-turnovers.jpg"></div>
<h2><a href='/nba/articles/cavs_kenny_atkinson_donovan_mitchell_find_common_denominator_to_blame_for_turnovers/s1_17113_43289764'>Cavs’ Kenny Atkinson, Donovan Mitchell find common denominator to blame for turnovers</a></h2>

Splitting their last two games over the weekend, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ offense once again had clunky moments that it had recently gotten away from. They committed 17 turnovers in each contest, resulting in 35 points off those miscues.

<div class='aalc' id='aalc_12_43285975' style='display: none;'></div> <div class='cell small-12 rfi-header'><div class='grid-x'><div class='cell shrink rfi-logo'><a href='/nba/teams/cleveland_cavaliers/69' title='Cleveland Cavaliers'><img width='32' height='32' alt='Cleveland Cavaliers' data-src='/uploads/logo/image/1288/Cavaliers150x150.jpg' class='yard_taxon_logo lazyload'></a></div><div class='cell auto rfi-text'><a href='/nba/teams/cleveland_cavaliers/69'>Cleveland Cavaliers News</a><span>&nbsp;/ <a href='https://www.si.com/nba/cavaliers' rel='nofollow'>Cleveland Cavaliers on SI</a> / <span class='rfi-date' data-yb-time='1767565530'>January 4</span></span></div></div></div>
<div class="lzy loading it-standard_wide"><img class="lazyload rfi-img" alt="Why Cleveland Cavaliers can turn things around after frustrating first half of season" data-src="http://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,e_improve,h_365,w_912,x_0,y_42/c_fill,f_auto,h_320,q_auto,w_800/v1/m/7/a/7a10a1693f4aefd1c8feddb3afe387cd9553f688/01ke4w69bgh86dvcmyar.jpg"></div>
<h2><a href='/nba/articles/why_cleveland_cavaliers_can_turn_things_around_after_frustrating_first_half_of_season/s1_17132_43285975'>Why Cleveland Cavaliers can turn things around after frustrating first half of season</a></h2>

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been through a lot in the first half of the season, accruing nearly as many losses as it did throughout the entirety of last year.

<div class='aalc' id='aalc_12_43270981' style='display: none;'></div> <div class='cell small-12 rfi-header'><div class='grid-x'><div class='cell shrink rfi-logo'><a href='/nba/teams/cleveland_cavaliers/69' title='Cleveland Cavaliers'><img width='32' height='32' alt='Cleveland Cavaliers' data-src='/uploads/logo/image/1288/Cavaliers150x150.jpg' class='yard_taxon_logo lazyload'></a></div><div class='cell auto rfi-text'><a href='/nba/players/darius_garland/594893'>Darius Garland News</a><span>&nbsp;/ <a href='http://larrybrownsports.com' rel='nofollow'>Larry Brown Sports</a> / <span class='rfi-date' data-yb-time='1767232118'>December 31</span></span></div></div></div>
<div class="lzy loading it-standard_wide"><img class="lazyload rfi-img" alt="Darius Garland gets a rare technical foul for flopping" data-src="http://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,e_improve,h_800,w_2000,x_0,y_403/c_fill,f_auto,h_320,q_auto,w_800/v1/m/d/c/dc8c73809c0dd5e343fcdd6746a92b1f3b9b81f9/dec-31-2025-cleveland-ohio-usa-cleveland.jpg"></div>
<h2><a href='/nba/articles/darius_garland_gets_a_rare_technical_foul_for_flopping/s1_127_43270981'>Darius Garland gets a rare technical foul for flopping</a></h2>

The NBA is trying its best to keep floppers on their toes again. <a href="/nba/players/darius_garland/594893">Darius Garland</a> and the Cleveland Cavaliers battled the Phoenix Suns at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio on Wednesday.

<div class='aalc' id='aalc_12_43263160' style='display: none;'></div> <div class='cell small-12 rfi-header'><div class='grid-x'><div class='cell shrink rfi-logo'><a href='/nba' title='NBA'><img width='32' height='32' alt='NBA' data-src='/uploads/logo/image/7/NBAmedium.jpg' class='yard_taxon_logo lazyload'></a></div><div class='cell auto rfi-text'><a href='/nba'>NBA News</a><span>&nbsp;/ <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/topics/yardbarker_originals/101'>Yardbarker</a> / <span class='rfi-date' data-yb-time='1767068328'>December 29</span></span></div></div></div>
<div class="lzy loading it-standard_wide"><img class="lazyload rfi-img" alt="Cavaliers could be in for a turnaround after win over Spurs" data-src="http://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,e_improve,h_662,w_1658,x_111,y_255/c_fill,f_auto,h_320,q_auto,w_800/v1/m/a/f/afc6e6e134cf3f252238ac9fef9689522d50d4f7/cavaliers-turnaround-win-over-spurs.jpg"></div>
<h2><a href='/nba/articles/cavaliers_could_be_in_for_a_turnaround_after_win_over_spurs/s1_13132_43263160'>Cavaliers could be in for a turnaround after win over Spurs</a></h2>

The Cleveland Cavaliers notched their signature win of the 2025-26 season so far on Monday by going on the road and defeating the San Antonio Spurs, 113-101.

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<div class='aalc' id='aalc_12_43262855' style='display: none;'></div> <div class='cell small-12 rfi-header'><div class='grid-x'><div class='cell shrink rfi-logo'><a href='/nba/teams/cleveland_cavaliers/69' title='Cleveland Cavaliers'><img width='32' height='32' alt='Cleveland Cavaliers' data-src='/uploads/logo/image/1288/Cavaliers150x150.jpg' class='yard_taxon_logo lazyload'></a></div><div class='cell auto rfi-text'><a href='/nba/players/max_strus/496174'>Max Strus News</a><span>&nbsp;/ <a href='https://www.hoopsrumors.com/' rel='nofollow'>Hoops Rumors</a> / <span class='rfi-date' data-yb-time='1767058093'>December 29</span></span></div></div></div>
<div class="lzy loading it-standard_wide"><img class="lazyload rfi-img" alt="Still No Timeline For Max Strus To Make Season Debut" data-src="http://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,e_improve,h_800,w_2000,x_0,y_102/c_fill,f_auto,h_320,q_auto,w_800/v1/m/7/e/7e5f67d2bf219b6130adcf7c5aef56c151a7c002/9-2025-indianapolis-indiana-usa-cleveland.jpg"></div>
<h2><a href='/nba/articles/still_no_timeline_for_max_strus_to_make_season_debut/s1_14822_43262855'>Still No Timeline For Max Strus To Make Season Debut</a></h2>

Cavaliers wing <a href="/nba/players/max_strus/496174">Max Strus</a> underwent surgery in late August to repair a Jones fracture in his left foot. While he has been able to do some individual on-court

<div class='aalc' id='aalc_12_43258762' style='display: none;'></div> <div class='cell small-12 rfi-header'><div class='grid-x'><div class='cell shrink rfi-logo'><a href='/nba' title='NBA'><img width='32' height='32' alt='NBA' data-src='/uploads/logo/image/7/NBAmedium.jpg' class='yard_taxon_logo lazyload'></a></div><div class='cell auto rfi-text'><a href='/nba'>NBA News</a><span>&nbsp;/ <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/topics/yardbarker_originals/101'>Yardbarker</a> / <span class='rfi-date' data-yb-time='1766977427'>December 28</span></span></div></div></div>
<div class="lzy loading it-standard_wide"><img class="lazyload rfi-img" alt="Jaylen Brown ties longstanding Larry Bird record with Celtics" data-src="http://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,e_improve,h_625,w_1566,x_166,y_477/c_fill,f_auto,h_320,q_auto,w_800/v1/m/5/f/5f7f9671204e529b4ce0b35582abb1a8a4d3f572/jaylen-brown-ties-longstanding-larry-bird-record.jpg"></div>
<h2><a href='/nba/articles/jaylen_brown_ties_longstanding_larry_bird_record_with_celtics/s1_13132_43258762'>Jaylen Brown ties longstanding Larry Bird record with Celtics</a></h2>

The Boston Celtics dropped a tough 114-108 decision to the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, but you can not blame Jaylen Brown for that result. Brown finished with 37 points and recorded his ninth consecutive 30-point game.

Celtics' Jaylen Brown on a level with Larry Bird after latest performance
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Five predictions for the remainder of 2025-26 NBA season
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The 'Active NBA assist-per-game leaders' quiz
<div class='aalc' id='aalc_12_43248900' style='display: none;'></div> <div class='cell small-12 rfi-header'><div class='grid-x'><div class='cell shrink rfi-logo'><a href='/nba' title='NBA'><img width='32' height='32' alt='NBA' data-src='/uploads/logo/image/7/NBAmedium.jpg' class='yard_taxon_logo lazyload'></a></div><div class='cell auto rfi-text'><a href='/nba'>NBA News</a><span>&nbsp;/ <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/topics/yardbarker_originals/101'>Yardbarker</a> / <span class='rfi-date' data-yb-time='1766693246'>December 25</span></span></div></div></div>
<div class="lzy loading it-standard_wide"><img class="lazyload rfi-img" alt="Knicks get a Christmas miracle in form of comeback win over Cavs" data-src="http://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,e_improve,h_440,w_1102,x_425,y_34/c_fill,f_auto,h_320,q_auto,w_800/v1/m/6/4/648308a83a20a8d5d1441e7e42d9bab78352a05b/knicks-christmas-miracle-form-comeback-win-over.jpg"></div>
<h2><a href='/nba/articles/knicks_get_a_christmas_miracle_in_form_of_comeback_win_over_cavaliers/s1_13132_43248900'>Knicks get a Christmas miracle in form of comeback win over Cavaliers</a></h2>

With their Christmas Day tilt in the rearview mirror, the Knicks and Cavaliers are on different trajectories.

Knicks ride big bench performances to Christmas win, send message to East rivals
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Russell Westbrook gets disciplined by the NBA for flopping
Can Pistons do the improbable on Western Conference road trip?

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