NBA Notes: Cavs, Donovan Mitchell, Mavericks, Ryan Nembhard, Bulls

Cavaliers

The Cavs finally snapped their skid and looked like themselves again on Monday. Cleveland beat Indiana 135-119 and, as relayed by Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, it came on the heels of a fiery message from Donovan Mitchell after Sunday’s loss.

“This ain’t last year,” Mitchell told the team, via Fedor. “I told you at the beginning of the year, they coming for us. They’re coming for Evan Mobley’s Defensive Player of the Year. They’re coming for my first team All-NBA. They’re coming for Kenny Atkinson’s Coach of the Year.

“They’re coming for all that. We’re not the underdogs, we’re the hunted. We need to go out there and continue to act like it.”

The Cavs answered. Now, they return home for three straight games, beginning Wednesday vs. the Trail Blazers.

Mavericks

Rookie Ryan Nembhard had a night that goes straight into the Mavericks’ record books. The two-way guard dropped 28 points on 12-of-14 shooting and handed out 10 assists with zero turnovers in an upset win in Denver.

Per the Mavs, he is the first undrafted rookie in the modern era to hit 25 and 10 with no turnovers.

“He kind of took over the game,” coach Jason Kidd said, via Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal. “He controlled the game. The ball touches the paint and he finds Max Christie in the corner for a big three. He was really good.”

Nembhard has started three of the last four games and is averaging 17.7 points and 5.7 assists as a starter while shooting 60 percent from deep.

Meanwhile, Anthony Davis erupted for 32 and 13 in his second game back from a calf strain. “I was tired for sure, but it’s mental,” Davis said.

Bulls

Coby White will undergo imaging on his left calf after missing Monday’s game, per Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Also, Zach Collins has been cleared for contact and is expected to practice with the Windy City Bulls this week as he ramps up from wrist surgery.

Chicago also lost Kevin Huerter early against Orlando due to an adductor issue. His status moving forward is still unclear.