Brooklyn Nets at Cleveland Cavaliers

NBA-leading Cavaliers beat Nets 109-104 for their second 15-game win streak of season

Jarrett Allen had 23 points and 13 rebounds, and Evan Mobley had 21 points, nine rebounds and six assists for Cleveland, which also began this season with a 15-game win streak. The Cavaliers trailed by 18 points in the third quarter.

Cam Thomas scored 27 points, Cameron Johnson had 17 points and Ziaire Williams added 14 before fouling out for Brooklyn. The Nets dropped five games behind Chicago for the final play-in tournament spot in the East.

Takeaways Nets: Point guard D’Angelo Russell, who logged 29 minutes Monday in a 111-108 win over the Lakers, sat out the second half of the back-to-back set for right ankle injury management.

Cavaliers: Coach Kenny Atkinson’s club hasn’t lost since Feb. 4, when it was beaten by Boston 112-105 at Rocket Arena. Its other home losses were to Atlanta, Houston and Indiana.

Key moment Brooklyn trailed 101-99 with 56 seconds remaining when Johnson missed a 3-pointer that wound up on top of the backboard. Garland raced down for a layup and soon afterward added two free throws to extend the Cavaliers’ lead to six.

Key stat Cleveland clinched the Central Division title for the eighth time in its 55-year history. Six of the crowns were won during LeBron James’ two tenures with the team.

Up next The Nets visit Chicago on Thursday. The Cavaliers play at Memphis on Friday.

Regular Season Series

CLE wins series 4-0