Donovan Mitchell scored 33 points — 23 in the second half — and Darius Garland added 16 as the Cleveland Cavaliers began the season’s unofficial second half by dominating the Phoenix Suns 118-92 in a Martin Luther King Jr. Day matinee on Monday.
The Cavs, who opened the season with 15 straight wins, improved the NBA’s best record to 36-6 — tied for the eighth-best start in history. They’re also 21-2 at home and 13-1 against Western Conference teams.
Cleveland had little trouble handling the Suns despite missing three rotational players as forwards Evan Mobley (calf), Isaac Okoro (shoulder) and guard Caris LeVert (wrist) sat out with injuries.
Kevin Durant scored 23 to lead Phoenix, which had won five of six. Devin Booker added 15 — 10 below his average — and had six turnovers.
Suns guard Bradley Beal returned after missing the last two games with left ankle sprain and scored just five points in 25 minutes.
