Cavaliers survive late Nets rally to win home opener

The Cleveland Cavaliers celebrated their home opener with a 125-121 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, holding on after a late surge threatened to overturn their commanding advantage.

Donovan Mitchell scored 22 points, while Jarrett Allen added 21 and Evan Mobley recorded 20 points and 10 rebounds. Cleveland responded strongly after its opening-game collapse against Philadelphia, taking control with a decisive 23-9 run around halftime.

The Cavaliers appeared comfortable with a 17-point lead in the closing minutes, but Brooklyn refused to surrender. Michael Porter Jr. led all scorers with 28 points, Julius Randle contributed 23, and rookie Egor Demin exploded for 22, including 15 in the fourth quarter.

The Nets trimmed the deficit to 123-121 with just 8.1 seconds remaining. However, Porter fouled out, allowing Sam Merrill to seal Cleveland’s victory with two free throws.

The result extended the Cavaliers’ winning streak against Brooklyn to eight games, despite a nervy finish at home.