Donovan Mitchell's Clutch Free Throws Lift Cavaliers Past Nuggets in Thriller

Donovan Mitchell delivered when it mattered most, scoring 32 points and sinking two free throws with just 0.9 seconds left on the clock as the Cleveland Cavaliers escaped Ball Arena with a dramatic 119-117 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Monday night. The win marked Cleveland's eighth victory in their last nine games, keeping them among the Eastern Conference's elite.

Mitchell's clutch performance included 10 assists, showcasing his dual-threat ability to both score and facilitate. His trip to the free-throw line came immediately after James Harden, in just his second game with the Cavaliers, drilled a tying 3-pointer to level the score. Harden finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds, providing the veteran presence Cleveland had hoped for when they acquired him.

For Denver, Nikola Jokic put together another masterful stat line with 22 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists—his latest triple-double in what has been an MVP-caliber season. But even Jokic's brilliance wasn't enough, as his potential game-winning 3-point attempt at the buzzer rimmed out. Jamal Murray added 17 points and 11 assists for the Nuggets, who have now lost four of their last five games.

The Cavaliers held Denver to just 11 points in the fourth quarter, clamping down defensively when it mattered most. Cleveland's ability to execute in crunch time has become a hallmark of their season, with Mitchell and Harden forming a formidable late-game duo. Evan Mobley also contributed with key defensive stops and interior presence.

Denver's recent struggles have raised questions about their depth and ability to compete night after night in the grueling Western Conference. While Jokic continues to produce at an elite level, the supporting cast has been inconsistent, particularly in closing out tight games. The loss dropped the Nuggets further down the standings as they look to regain the championship form that defined their 2023 title run.

With this victory, the Cavaliers continue to prove they are legitimate contenders in the East. The addition of Harden has provided another dimension to their offense, and if Mitchell keeps playing at this level, Cleveland has all the pieces necessary to make a deep playoff run. The Nuggets, meanwhile, must regroup quickly to avoid falling too far behind in the competitive Western Conference race.