Evan Mobley, Donovan Mitchell lead streaking Cavaliers over Pelicans

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) dunks against New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III, left, during the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Feb. 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

NEW ORLEANS — Donovan Mitchell scored 30 points and Cleveland maintained a double-digit lead most of the way for a 118-107 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night that extended the Cavaliers’ winning streak to five games.

Evan Mobley had 28 points and 13 rebounds, while Jarrett Allen added 20 points and 11 rebounds for Cleveland, which snapped New Orleans’ three-game winning streak.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) shoots a 3-pointer against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Feb. 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

Cleveland shot 56.5% (48 of 85), outscored New Orleans 70-58 in the paint and outrebounded the Pelicans 41-34.

The Pelicans’ Brandon Ingram scored 25 points, his fourth straight game with at least that many. Trey Murphy added 17 points and CJ McCollum 12 for New Orleans.

The Cavs were one of just three teams that did not make a trade before Thursday afternoon’s NBA deadline — a decision that only looked wiser when Cleveland opened up a 22-point, first-half lead. The Cavs led by as many as 25 in the second half and the lead hovered around 20 until the latter stages of the fourth quarter, when most of the starters had gone to the bench for good.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Caris LeVert (3) dives for a loose ball next to New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (5) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Feb. 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

“We said beforehand that we are not desperate to do anything. We love the group that we have,” Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff said prior to tipoff. “We are confident in giving it time and letting guys grow together. We are not in a rush. We have guys that are developing, learning how to win and learning how to play together. There is no reason to skip steps and do something desperate when we are not.”

Mitchell had 21 of his points in the first half, highlighted by an off-balance scoop off the glass while being fouled from behind by McCollum.

Mitchell’s driving floater gave Cleveland a 73-55 lead late in the second quarter before Ingram’s free throw made it 73-56 at halftime.

Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) makes a basket against New Orleans Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. (22) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, Feb. 10, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

Tip-ins

Cavaliers: Darius Garland scored 11 points. … Mobley had a double-double (18 points, 10 rebounds) before halftime. … Came in allowing an NBA-low 106.2 points per game. … Have won each game during their current winning by 11 or more points. … Won in New Orleans for the first time since March 2010.

Story continues

Pelicans: Herb Jones scored 11 points, highlighted by a soaring two-handed dunk in the first half. … Newly acquired guard Josh Richardson did not arrive in New Orleans in time to play and watched in street clothes. He was acquired in exchange for Devonte’ Graham and four second-round picks on Thursday. … Fell to 20-10 at home in what was their last home game before the All-Star break. … Fell to 11-14 vs. Eastern Conference teams. … Shot 47.6% (39 of 82), including 9 of 24 from deep. … All-Star forward Zion Williamson (right hamstring) missed his 20th straight game. Pelicans coach Willie Green said he will also miss New Orleans’ last two games before the All-Star Game, from which Williamson was officially scratched earlier in the day.

Up next

Cavaliers: Host Chicago on Saturday.

Pelicans: Visit Oklahoma City on Monday.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cavs dominate Pelicans for fifth straight victory