In a thrilling NBA encounter on Sunday, March 2, 2025, the Cleveland Cavaliers staged an impressive comeback to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers with a final score of 133-129 in overtime. This victory extended the Cavaliers' winning streak to 10 games and made them the first team to reach 50 wins for the season. Despite facing a significant deficit of 18 points in the third quarter, the Cavaliers managed to rally without their star player Donovan Mitchell, who was given a rest. Key contributors included De’Andre Hunter, who scored 32 points, including a crucial three-pointer that gave the Cavaliers the lead with only 30 seconds remaining in overtime. Ty Jerome added 25 points, while Evan Mobley contributed 20.
The game saw intense competition from both sides. For the Trail Blazers, Deni Avdija achieved his first career triple-double with 30 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. Anfernee Simons also shone, scoring 27 points. The turning point came when Anfernee Simons put the Blazers ahead by one point with a three-pointer in the closing minutes of overtime. However, it was Hunter's timely shot that shifted momentum back to the Cavaliers. In the final moments, Avdija missed a critical three-point attempt, allowing Hunter to secure the win with two successful free throws.
Throughout the match, the Cavaliers demonstrated remarkable resilience. They had previously overcome a 22-point deficit in Boston just two days prior, showcasing their ability to bounce back under pressure. Coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged the challenging schedule ahead, particularly in March, where the team will play 16 games in 29 days. He emphasized the importance of strategic rest for players as the playoffs approach. One pivotal moment occurred when Darius Garland, despite struggling with shooting accuracy throughout the game, made a crucial defensive play by deflecting a pass that could have resulted in an easy layup for the Blazers.
This win underscores the Cavaliers' dominance at home, where they now boast a record of 28-4. The team has already achieved three double-digit winning streaks this season, starting with a perfect 15-game run at the beginning of the year. Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers showed great effort but ultimately fell short in the final stretch. Following this game, the Blazers are set to face the Philadelphia 76ers, while the Cavaliers will travel to Chicago for their next matchup.