2024–25 NBA Season Overview
The Cleveland Cavaliers vs 76ers match player stats from the 2024–25 NBA season highlight some of the most thrilling showdowns in recent Eastern Conference basketball. Both teams came into the season with strong rosters and postseason ambitions, making every meeting between them high-stakes and full of drama. From breakout performances to tactical coaching decisions, every stat tells a deeper story of competitiveness, grit, and determination.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers clashed in three unforgettable regular-season games, each filled with intensity and star power. These games showcased individual brilliance, team chemistry, and, most importantly, how key players rose to the occasion under pressure.
Game-by-Game Match Summary
Game 1: Cavaliers 114 – 76ers 106 (November 13, 2024)
This opening matchup set the tone for the rivalry. Darius Garland led the charge for the Cavaliers, scoring 25 points and dishing out 8 assists. His ability to control the game’s pace and score in crucial moments was vital. For the 76ers, rookie sensation Jared McCain stunned the crowd with a career-high 34 points, showcasing his elite shooting and composure under pressure.
Key Player Stats:
- Darius Garland: 25 pts, 8 ast, 4 reb
- Jared McCain: 34 pts, 6 reb, 4 ast
- Donovan Mitchell: 22 pts, 6 ast
- Tyrese Maxey: 19 pts, 5 ast
Game 2: Cavaliers 126 – 76ers 99 (December 21, 2024)
Cleveland dominated this game from start to finish. Their defense suffocated the 76ers, while their offense flowed seamlessly. Garland again stood out, dropping 26 points and orchestrating the offense. Evan Mobley was a force on both ends, racking up 22 points and 13 rebounds. The 76ers struggled, with Maxey scoring 27 points but receiving little support.
Key Player Stats:
- Darius Garland: 26 pts, 9 ast
- Evan Mobley: 22 pts, 13 reb, 2 blk
- Tyrese Maxey: 27 pts
- Paul George: 14 pts, 5 reb
Game 3: 76ers 132 – Cavaliers 129 (January 24, 2025)
In the most thrilling game of the series, the 76ers broke a seven-game losing streak. Paul George and Maxey combined for 59 points, sealing the win late in the fourth quarter. Despite a monster 37-point performance from Donovan Mitchell and a career-high 33 points from Ty Jerome, the Cavaliers fell just short.
Key Player Stats:
- Donovan Mitchell: 37 pts, 5 ast
- Ty Jerome: 33 pts (career-high)
- Paul George: 30 pts, 6 reb
- Tyrese Maxey: 29 pts, 7 ast
Cleveland Cavaliers Player Performance
Donovan Mitchell
Donovan Mitchell proved why he’s considered one of the NBA’s elite guards. He consistently produced high-scoring games and created opportunities for his teammates. His 37-point performance in the final matchup showcased athleticism and leadership.
Season averages against the 76ers:
- Points: 28.0
- Assists: 5.3
- Rebounds: 4.2
- FG%: 48.1%
Darius Garland
Garland’s playmaking was instrumental in both Cavaliers’ wins. He controlled tempo and efficiently distributed the ball, contributing offensively with timely baskets.
Key stats:
- Points: 25.3 per game
- Assists: 8.6
- 3PT%: 43.2%
Evan Mobley
Mobley’s presence in the paint made life difficult for the 76ers. His ability to block shots, rebound, and stretch the floor added versatility to Cleveland’s lineup.
Key stats:
- Points: 18.7
- Rebounds: 11.1
- Blocks: 2.0
Philadelphia 76ers Player Performance
Tyrese Maxey
Before a finger injury ended his season early, Maxey was playing at an All-Star level. Against the Cavaliers, he averaged nearly 25 points per game with excellent efficiency and control.
Match averages:
- Points: 25.0
- Assists: 6.0
- FG%: 47.5%
Paul George
George brought veteran leadership and scoring punch, especially in Game 3. His shooting range and defensive tenacity gave the Cavaliers plenty of problems.
Key stats:
- Points: 18.0
- Rebounds: 5.1
- Steals: 1.4
Jared McCain
The rookie guard had a breakout game in the first matchup, scoring a career-high 34 points. His confidence, shot selection, and energy on both ends earned him recognition as one of the top young players.
Stats from Game 1:
- Points: 34
- Rebounds: 6
- Assists: 4
Team Comparison Tables
Field Goal and Three-Point Shooting
Game DateCavaliers FG%76ers FG%Cavaliers 3PT%76ers 3PT%
Nov 13, 2024 49.4% 44.6% 40.0% 32.6%
Dec 21, 2024 53.3% 39.5% 51.2% 32.4%
Jan 24, 2025 50.0% 50.6% 48.1% 53.8%
Rebounds, Assists, Turnovers
CategoryCavaliers Avg76ers Avg
Rebounds 44.3 41.6
Assists 27.1 25.8
Turnovers 13.0 14.2
Key Bench Contributions
PlayerTeamAvg PPG Off Bench
Ty Jerome Cavaliers 15.2
Kelly Oubre Jr. 76ers 12.5
Caris LeVert Cavaliers 13.6
Strategy and Coaching Impact
Cavaliers’ Game Plan
Cleveland emphasized perimeter ball movement and paint dominance. J.B. Bickerstaff used double-big lineups effectively, leveraging Mobley and Allen to stifle inside scoring.
Key tactical decisions:
- High pick-and-roll with Garland and Mobley
- Zone defense shifts in the 2nd quarter
- Short bench rotation to maximize starters’ minutes
76ers’ Adjustments
The 76ers focused on guard penetration and spacing the floor with shooters like McCain and Oubre Jr. Despite Maxey’s injury, Coach Nick Nurse found creative ways to spread the floor.
Strategies used:
- Off-ball screens for Maxey
- Isolation for George in clutch time
- Defensive traps on Garland
Rising Stars and Notable Moments
Jared McCain’s Emergence
McCain’s 34-point game was one of the most talked-about rookie moments this season. It signaled that Philadelphia may have found its next franchise cornerstone.
Ty Jerome’s Career High
In the third matchup, Ty Jerome surprised everyone by scoring 33 points off the bench. His perimeter shooting was lights out, and he kept Cleveland in the game late.
Clutch Time Performances
- Mitchell’s 4th quarter scoring runs
- Paul George’s go-ahead jumper in Game 3
- Garland’s late-game assists and smart play
Advanced Metrics Overview
PlayerPER Usage Rate Net Rating
Donovan Mitchell 24.6 29.3% +7.1
Tyrese Maxey 23.1 27.5% +4.8
Paul George 20.4 24.2% +3.3
Darius Garland 22.7 26.1% +6.5
Rivalry History and Significance
The Cavaliers and 76ers have a long-standing rivalry, dating back to the early days of the Eastern Conference playoff battles. Although not considered traditional rivals, recent seasons have intensified their meetings. With young talent and playoff aspirations, these two teams are poised to become perennial threats to each other’s success.
Record
TeamWinsLosses
Cavaliers 106 104
76ers 104 106
Most Memorable Past Clashes
- 2018 overtime thriller featuring LeBron James
- 2022 Maxey vs Garland scoring duel
- 2025 Mitchell vs George battle
Media Reactions and Fan Buzz
Social Media Highlights
- Mitchell’s 37-point performance trending on NBA Twitter
- McCain’s breakout featured in multiple viral clips
- Memes comparing Ty Jerome to Steph Curry after Game 3
Expert Analysis
NBA analysts praised both teams for their resilience and coaching strategies. Many noted that these matchups could be a preview of a future playoff series if both teams maintain their current trajectory.
FAQs
Who had the best individual performance?
Donovan Mitchell’s 37-point game stood out, closely followed by Jared McCain’s 34-point rookie explosion and Ty Jerome’s 33-point surprise.
What was the biggest win margin?
Cleveland’s 126–99 victory on December 21 was the most dominant performance.
Which rookie had the most impact?
Jared McCain made a strong case as one of the top rookies with his high-scoring debut against Cleveland.
Did any player get injured?
Tyrese Maxey suffered a season-ending finger injury later in the season, but he was healthy during these matchups.
Could these teams meet in the playoffs?
If current standings hold, a potential 3 vs 6 or 4 vs 5 playoff matchup between Cleveland and Philadelphia is very likely.
Conclusion
The Cleveland Cavaliers vs 76ers match player stats reflect a fierce and evolving rivalry packed with talent, drama, and unforgettable moments. With superstars like Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George at the forefront, each game offered its storyline and highlight reel. As both teams continue to grow and refine their identities, future meetings promise even more fireworks—and plenty of stats for fans and analysts alike to dissect.