Donovan Mitchell scores 35 points, helps Jazz cool off Cavaliers

CLEVELAND — Donovan Mitchell scored 35 points, Rudy Gobert had 20 rebounds and five blocks and the Utah Jazz survived Cleveland's late surge for their fourth straight win, 109-108 over the Cavaliers on Sunday.

Bojan Bogdanovic added 16 points and Rudy Gay had 15 for Utah, which made 20 3-pointers and gave away a 15-point lead in the fourth.

The Cavs had a chance to win, but Darius Garland missed a 28-footer with 2.9 seconds to go, and Jarrett Allen couldn't get his tip to drop as Cleveland had its winning streak stopped at four.

Garland scored 31 points, Allen added 17 points and 11 rebounds and rookie Evan Mobley had 14 points and 12 rebounds for the Cavs, who were back at home after beating Dallas, Miami and Washington. It was the first time since 1975 that the Cavs won three straight on the road over teams with winning records.

Utah opened a 15-point lead early in the fourth quarter on Mike Conley's 3-pointer and seemed poised to put the Cavs away.

However, as has been the case all season, Cleveland fought back.

The Cavs reeled off 15 straight points to tie it 97-all on Ricky Rubio's scoop shot with 8:43 left. Cedi Osman contributed to the flurry with a dunk, 3-pointer and steal.

Mitchell had a chance to put the Jazz ahead by three, but Mobley came across the lane and blocked his layup with 22 seconds to go. The Cavs corralled the ball and called time to set up a final shot.

Garland initially drove the lane, but got turned away. He wound up with the ball at the top of the key and launched a deep 3-pointer that was long, and the Jazz survived Allen's follow attempt.

Gobert's size troubles most teams, but not the Cavs.

Cleveland coach J.B. Bickerstaff countered the 7-foot-1, shot-swatting center by starting 6-foot-11 Allen along with 7-footers Mobley and Lauri Markkanenen, a “tall ball” lineup that has been a revelation for the Cavs.

Tip-ins

Jazz: Center Hassan Whiteside (left glute bruise) missed his first game. ... Coach Quin Snyder said it doesn’t take long watching film for Mobley to stand out. “He’s going to be a star in this league, really soon,” Snyder said. “He’s a rare combination of size, length, quickness and skill.” ... Gay, who underwent right heel surgery in the offseason, isn’t technically on a minutes restriction. Gay is averaging 18.7 minutes coming off the bench. “There's the challenge of getting back into game shape,” Snyder said. “Fatigue can be an issue, especially the way we want to play." ... Gay topped 17,000 career points.

Cavaliers: Didn't get called for a foul in the first 17 minutes. ... Kevin Love entered the day leading the NBA with a .949 free throw percentage (37 of 39). The five-time All-Star is an 83% career shooter from the line, finishing above 90% just once. ... Rubio is the only Cleveland player to appear in all 24 games. ... Forward Dean Wade (right calf strain) has missed five games. ... Garland and Atlanta's Trae Young are the only players averaging at least 19 points, seven assists and shooting over 45%.

Up next

Jazz: Continue a four-game trip Wednesday at Minnesota.

Cavaliers: Visit the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks on Monday.

Cavaliers at Bucks

Time: 8 p.m. Monday

TV: Bally Sports Ohio