If you were looking for the Cleveland Cavs score live last night, you probably needed a heart rate monitor attached to your phone. Honestly, this team is going to be the death of us. One minute they’re looking like world-beaters, the next they’re letting a double-digit lead evaporate in the humidity of Philadelphia.
But they did it. Again.
The Cavs walked out of the Xfinity Mobile Arena with a 117-115 win over the 76ers, completing a two-game sweep in a building that is notoriously hostile to anyone wearing wine and gold. It wasn't pretty, and for about three-quarters of the game, it felt like the wheels were coming off. Yet, here we are, waking up to a 24-19 record and a team that refuses to quit even when the injury report looks like a CVS receipt.
The Jaylon Tyson Show Nobody Expected
Can we talk about Jaylon Tyson for a second? Seriously.
With Darius Garland sidelined due to that nagging right big toe soreness and Sam Merrill out with a sprained hand, the rookie didn't just step up; he took over the building. 39 points. Seven triples. Both career highs. You’ve got to love the "next man up" mentality, but Tyson looked like a seasoned vet out there. He was hitting shots from the logo and driving into the teeth of the defense like he owned the place.
He essentially kept Cleveland afloat when Donovan Mitchell was having one of those "it's just not falling" nights. Mitchell finished with 13 points on 4-of-13 shooting. Usually, that’s a recipe for a 20-point blowout loss. Instead, Mitchell leaned into his role as a playmaker, racking up 13 assists and nine rebounds. It’s that kind of unselfishness that makes this specific iteration of the Cavs different from years past.
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Evan Mobley and the 4.8 Seconds of Chaos
The ending was pure NBA theater.
The score was knotted at 115 after Tyrese Maxey—who is still a nightmare to guard, by the way—hit a floating runner with about eight seconds left. Cleveland had no timeouts. The vibe in the arena was shifting toward overtime, and frankly, the Cavs looked gassed.
Then, Jaylon Tyson (because of course) drove the baseline on the inbounds play. He drew two defenders, looked like he was trapped, and somehow threaded a needle to a cutting Evan Mobley.
Boom.
Mobley thundered home a dunk with 4.8 seconds remaining. 117-115. The Sixers had one last gasp, but the defense held firm. Mobley only had 15 points on the night, but those last two were the only ones that truly mattered. It was a gutsy comeback considering they were down by 11 points with less than nine minutes to go in the fourth quarter.
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How the Fourth Quarter Turnaround Happened
It wasn't just luck. Kenny Atkinson made some tactical tweaks that shifted the momentum.
- The 13-2 Run: After Paul George hit a jumper to put Philly up by 11, the Cavs went on a tear.
- De'Andre Hunter's Impact: Hunter was huge in the clutch. His 3-pointer with 5:53 left tied the game at 102 and silenced the crowd.
- Defensive Intensity: Cleveland forced three critical turnovers in the final four minutes.
- Rebounding: Despite Joel Embiid putting up 33 points, the Cavs actually competed on the glass, largely thanks to Mitchell and Mobley scraping for every loose ball.
Looking Ahead: The Standings Grind
The Eastern Conference is a meat grinder this year. Right now, the Cavs sit at 6th in the East. They are only two and a half games behind the Boston Celtics for the 2nd seed, but the margin for error is razor-thin.
There’s been a lot of chatter lately about whether Koby Altman is going to make a "splashy" move at the trade deadline. You’ve probably heard the rumors about the Celtics chasing Jaren Jackson Jr., which is a terrifying prospect for anyone else in the East. But word around the league is that Cleveland is likely to keep their "Core Four" together. They want to see what this group can do when healthy in April, not just January.
Next up is a massive test. The Oklahoma City Thunder are coming to Rocket Arena this Monday, January 19, for a Martin Luther King Jr. Day matinee. If you're planning on checking the Cleveland Cavs score live for that one, expect a track meet. OKC plays fast, and if Garland isn't back, Tyson is going to have to prove this 39-point outburst wasn't a fluke.
Quick Snapshot of the Cavs' Stats (As of Jan 17, 2026)
Basically, the offense is humming (3rd in the league for points per game), but the defense is still a work in progress.
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- Record: 24-19
- Offensive Rating: 117.8 (8th in NBA)
- Defensive Rating: 115.3 (14th in NBA)
- Pace: 101.3 (6th fastest in the league)
- Points Per Game: 120.0
Your Next Steps for Following the Cavs
Don't just wait for the final buzzer to see how things went. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, here is what you should be doing.
First, keep a close eye on the injury report regarding Darius Garland. His toe injury was supposed to be minor, but missing both games in Philly suggests they are being extra cautious. If he’s out against OKC, the betting lines are going to shift drastically.
Second, watch the trade rumors involving Sam Hauser or any salary-matching pieces. While the Cavs seem set on their core, they desperately need more wing depth if De'Andre Hunter or Jaylon Tyson hit a slump.
Lastly, make sure you've got the Monday afternoon tip-off (2:30 PM EST) marked on your calendar. It’s a holiday game, and the energy at Rocket Arena is going to be electric. Whether you're watching on Bally Sports or tracking the Cleveland Cavs score live on your phone at a family cookout, this team is officially must-watch TV again.
Go Cavs.
Actionable Insight: Check the official NBA injury report on Sunday evening. If Garland and Merrill remain "Out" or "Doubtful" for Monday, look for Jaylon Tyson to see 35+ minutes again. If you're into fantasy or betting, his "Overs" on points and made threes are likely the smartest play until the starters return.