In a thriller that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Cleveland Cavaliers pulled off a dramatic 130-126 victory over the Washington Wizards on December 12, 2025, erasing a massive 17-point second-half deficit thanks to Donovan Mitchell's jaw-dropping 48-point masterpiece.
This wasn't just a win—it was a resurrection. The Cavs, now sitting at 15-11, showed their championship mettle in Washington, while the Wizards dropped to a dismal 3-20, underscoring their season-long struggles.
Mitchell's Heroics Steal the Show
Donovan Mitchell was unstoppable, torching the Wizards for a game-high
48 points, including
8 three-pointers, plus 4 rebounds and 4 assists. His explosive scoring turned the tide, especially in the clutch moments where he dropped 44 points by late in the game.
Teammate
Evan Mobley backed him up with a solid
23 points and
13 rebounds, battling through 7-of-17 shooting and 2-of-6 from deep to anchor the interior.
For the Wizards,
CJ McCollum led with
27 points and 6 assists, but it wasn't enough to hold off Cleveland's surge. Mentions of Michael Porter Jr. and others highlighted Washington's fightback, but turnovers and defensive lapses proved costly.
The Comeback That Shocked Everyone
Down by 17 in the second half, the Cavs flipped the script with relentless defense and Mitchell's scoring barrage. Highlights show Mitchell's euro steps, triples, and steals igniting the rally—pure NBA drama.
Cleveland coach
Kenny Atkinson praised the grit post-game, calling it a testament to the team's resilience in his media session after the win.
This victory keeps the Cavs in playoff contention amid a rollercoaster season, while Washington searches for answers in their league-worst record.
What It Means Moving Forward
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Cavs' Momentum: At 15-11, Cleveland proves they can win gritty road games, boosting confidence for tougher matchups ahead.
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Wizards' Woes: 3-20 signals deeper issues—expect trade rumors and roster tweaks as the deadline nears.
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Mitchell's MVP Case: 48 points in a comeback? That's the stuff All-NBA campaigns are made of.
Basketball fans, keep an eye on Mitchell—he's carrying Cleveland on his back. For the Wizards, this loss stings, but it's a chance to rebuild fire. What's next? More fireworks, no doubt.
Sources
1. CAVALIERS at WIZARDS | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS - YouTube
2. Cleveland Cavaliers vs Washington Wizards Full Game Highlights
3. Donovan Mitchell’s 48 points save Cavs from embarassing loss in Washington
4. Cavs at Wizards | Kenny Atkinson Post Game | 12.12.2025 - YouTube
5. Cleveland Cavaliers Achieve Dramatic Comeback Over Washington ...
![[Donovan Mitchell's Epic 48-Point Explosion Fuels Cavs' Stunning 17-Point Comeback Against Wizards]](https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/27804800.jpg)