Cavaliers could be in for a turnaround after win over Spurs

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.

The game could be the spark Cleveland needs to find a rhythm following an uneven start.

Cleveland Cavaliers road win over San Antonio Spurs a promising sign heading into 2026

The Cavaliers (18-16, eighth in Eastern Conference) entered Monday losers of two in a row and 10 of their last 15 dating back to Nov. 24, when they were 12-6. 

Cleveland has played poorly defensively during the slump, but it was solid against San Antonio. The Spurs (23-9, second in Western Conference) shot 39 percent, including 23 percent from beyond the arc, while committing 18 turnovers. They opened the day ranked No. 5 in the association in field goal percentage (48.5 percent) and No. 10 in turnovers (14.3 per game).

The defensive effort contributed significantly to the Cavs win, as did centers Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley in the front court. The duo combined for 43 points, with Allen scoring a game-high 27 points and Mobley chipping in with 16. They were particularly important with guard Donovan Mitchell having an off-night, finishing with 10 points on 3-of-12 shooting.

Cleveland had the Eastern Conference's best record last season, finishing 64-18. With so many top contenders in the conference losing key players to injury, the Cavs had a clear pathway to remain on top, yet that hasn't been the case through the first two-plus months of the season. Cleveland still has an uphill climb to get back on track, but Monday's win is a good launch point.