The phoenix suns vs cleveland cavaliers match player stats reveal how Cleveland used efficient shooting, strong playmaking, and a dominant performance from Donovan Mitchell to secure a 129-113 victory over Phoenix on January 1, 2026. Played at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, the matchup featured two outstanding individual scoring performances, with Mitchell finishing as the game’s leading scorer with 34 points while Devin Booker led the Suns with 32 points. Although Phoenix showed signs of a comeback after falling behind in the first quarter, Cleveland maintained control and finished the game with a convincing 16-point victory.

The contest offered an interesting comparison between two different offensive approaches. Phoenix relied heavily on Booker’s scoring ability and perimeter shooting, while Cleveland created a more balanced attack through its starting lineup and supporting players. The Cavaliers finished with 48 successful field goals on 96 attempts, giving them a 50% shooting percentage. The Suns made 42 of 105 attempts, shooting 40% from the field.

Cleveland also recorded 31 assists compared with Phoenix’s 23, highlighting an important difference in offensive organization. Despite collecting 52 rebounds and making 15 three-pointers, Phoenix could not overcome Cleveland’s superior overall shooting efficiency and stronger defensive presence around the basket.

This breakdown examines the final score, individual performances, team statistics, starting lineups, bench contributions, quarter-by-quarter scoring, and the key factors that determined the outcome. It also explains what the numbers reveal about both teams beyond the final scoreboard.

Phoenix Suns vs Cleveland Cavaliers Match Player Stats: Complete Game Overview

NBA REGULAR-SEASON GAME | JANUARY 1, 2026

Phoenix Suns Logo PNG, Vector (AI, EPS, CDR, PDF, SVG) – iconLogoVector

Phoenix Suns

113

Lost by 16

Season record: 19-14

File:Cleveland Cavaliers logo.svg – Wikimedia Commons

Cleveland Cavaliers

129

Won by 16

Season record: 19-16

Game Information	Details
Matchup	Phoenix Suns vs Cleveland Cavaliers
Date	January 1, 2026
Game time	1:30 AM
Competition	NBA
Venue	Rocket Arena
Location	Cleveland, Ohio
Attendance	19,432
Final score	Cleveland 129, Phoenix 113
Game status	Final
Game ID	401810320
Phoenix away record	9-9
Cleveland home record	12-8
Season series	Cleveland leads 1-0

The result gave Cleveland the first victory in the reported season series between the two teams. Both franchises entered the contest with 19 wins, although their overall records differed because of their respective losses.

Cleveland’s home-court advantage was an important part of the setting. The Cavaliers played in front of 19,432 spectators at Rocket Arena and produced an efficient offensive performance from the opening quarter.

Phoenix entered the game with a 19-14 record and an even 9-9 away record. The Suns had enough offensive production to remain competitive for much of the middle portion of the contest, but their slow opening quarter created a difficult situation.

Final Score and Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

The final result does not tell the entire story of this matchup. The quarter-by-quarter scoring shows that Phoenix improved considerably after its difficult opening period.

Cleveland established an early advantage, Phoenix responded during the second and third quarters, and the Cavaliers regained control in the fourth.

Quarter	Phoenix Suns	Cleveland Cavaliers
First	21	37
Second	33	30
Third	35	29
Fourth	24	33
Total	113	129

Points scored by quarter

Phoenix Suns compared with Cleveland Cavaliers.

■ Phoenix Suns

■ Cleveland Cavaliers

First Quarter: Cleveland Builds an Early Lead

Cleveland opened the game with an impressive offensive display, scoring 37 points while limiting Phoenix to just 21.

The 16-point difference in the opening period was one of the most important developments of the entire matchup. Cleveland established an advantage before Phoenix could settle into its preferred offensive rhythm.

The Cavaliers’ ability to generate 37 points in one quarter demonstrated their early offensive effectiveness. Their shooting, ball movement, and ability to create scoring opportunities helped them establish control.

Phoenix, meanwhile, struggled to match Cleveland’s early production. Scoring only 21 points placed the Suns in a position where they needed a strong response over the remaining three quarters.

A slow start can be especially costly against a team capable of maintaining offensive efficiency. Phoenix eventually improved, but the opening deficit remained a major obstacle.

Second Quarter: Phoenix Begins Its Response

The Suns produced a much better second quarter, scoring 33 points compared with Cleveland’s 30.

This three-point advantage helped Phoenix reduce the deficit from 16 points to 13 at halftime.

Phoenix’s improvement showed that the team could compete offensively with Cleveland when its scoring rhythm developed. The Suns also finished the game with 15 successful three-point shots, providing evidence of their perimeter scoring ability.

However, the Cavaliers continued producing points at a strong rate. Even though Cleveland lost the second quarter, its offensive performance remained consistent enough to protect its overall advantage.

Third Quarter: Suns Continue Applying Pressure

Phoenix delivered its strongest quarter of the game in the third, scoring 35 points.

Cleveland managed 29 points, allowing the Suns to win the period by six.

The result reduced Cleveland’s lead to seven points entering the fourth quarter.

At this stage, Phoenix had created a genuine opportunity to make the contest closer. The Suns had recovered from their poor first quarter and outscored Cleveland in both the second and third periods.

Their 68 combined points across those two quarters demonstrated that their offense could produce at a high level.

Nevertheless, Phoenix needed a strong final period to complete the comeback.

Fourth Quarter: Cavaliers Close the Game

Cleveland responded when the game required a decisive finish.

The Cavaliers scored 33 points in the fourth quarter, while Phoenix managed only 24.

That nine-point advantage increased Cleveland’s lead from seven points to 16, securing the 129-113 result.

The fourth-quarter performance reflected Cleveland’s ability to respond under pressure. Rather than allowing Phoenix’s momentum to continue, the Cavaliers improved their scoring output and finished the contest strongly.

The difference between the teams in the final period was particularly important because Phoenix had already done enough in the middle quarters to make the game competitive.

Cleveland’s closing performance ultimately prevented the Suns from completing their comeback.

Phoenix Suns Player Stats and Individual Performances

The Phoenix Suns finished with 113 points, shooting 40% from the field and 42% from three-point range.

Their offensive production was led by Devin Booker, who recorded 32 points. He was the team’s leading scorer and provided the majority of its individual scoring impact.

Phoenix also received contributions from its starting lineup and bench rotation. However, the available game data does not provide complete individual box-score figures for every player, so the analysis below distinguishes confirmed statistics from lineup information.

Devin Booker Player Stats

Phoenix Suns Media Day

Devin Booker

Phoenix leading scorer

32 PTS

2 REB | 4 AST

Statistical Category	Devin Booker
Points	32
Rebounds	2
Assists	4
Field goals	13-25
Field-goal percentage	52%
Three-pointers	2-4
Three-point percentage	50%
Free throws	4-4
Free-throw percentage	100%
Steals	1
Blocks	1

Booker was Phoenix’s most productive offensive player. His 32 points represented the highest scoring total among Suns players in the matchup.

His shooting efficiency was also noteworthy. Booker made 13 of his 25 field-goal attempts, giving him a 52% field-goal percentage.

That figure was significantly better than Phoenix’s overall 40% shooting percentage.

This difference demonstrates how important his individual scoring performance was to the Suns. While the team struggled to convert shots consistently, Booker found ways to produce points.

His three-point shooting was especially effective. He made two of four attempts from beyond the arc, converting 50% of his long-range shots.

Booker also made all four free throws.

Beyond scoring, he contributed four assists, one steal, and one block. His four assists showed that he was involved in creating opportunities for teammates rather than concentrating exclusively on individual scoring.

However, his two rebounds indicate that his contribution was primarily offensive.

Booker’s performance was strong enough to keep Phoenix competitive, but his individual production could not compensate for Cleveland’s more efficient team offense.

Phoenix Starting Lineup Performance

The Suns started the following five players:

Position Role	Player
Guard	Collin Gillespie
Guard	Devin Booker
Forward	Dillon Brooks
Forward	Royce O’Neale
Center	Mark Williams

This starting group combined perimeter shooting, defensive experience, and interior size.

Booker provided the primary scoring threat, while Gillespie offered another backcourt option. Brooks and O’Neale added wing versatility, and Williams supplied the team’s center presence.

The lineup had several different ways to contribute.

• Devin Booker: Led Phoenix with 32 points.
• Collin Gillespie: Provided a starting backcourt presence.
• Dillon Brooks: Added wing size and defensive versatility.
• Royce O’Neale: Offered perimeter flexibility.
• Mark Williams: Provided interior size and rebounding potential.

The confirmed statistical information establishes Booker as the leading performer. Complete individual numbers for the other four starters are not included in the supplied data, so assigning them specific points, rebounds, or assists would be unreliable.

Phoenix Suns Bench Players

Phoenix’s reported bench rotation included:

• Nigel Hayes-Davis
• Isaiah Livers
• Oso Ighodaro
• Ryan Dunn
• Rasheer Fleming
• Khaman Maluach
• Jordan Goodwin
• Jamaree Bouyea
• Nick Richards

One interesting detail concerns the plus/minus figures.

Nigel Hayes-Davis, Rasheer Fleming, and Khaman Maluach each recorded a reported plus/minus of +8.

This is a notable contrast with the team’s final result.

Plus/minus measures the difference between a team’s points scored and points allowed while a particular player is on the court. A positive figure means the player’s team outscored its opponent during those minutes.

A +8 rating does not mean a player personally scored eight points. It also does not automatically establish that the player had a better overall performance than a teammate.

The figures suggest that Phoenix had positive stretches with these players on the floor, even though the team ultimately lost by 16.

This is an important reminder that individual lineup performance and the final team result do not always move in the same direction.

What Went Wrong for Phoenix?

Phoenix’s biggest problem was not a lack of individual scoring talent.

The Suns had a 32-point performance from Booker, made 15 three-pointers, and converted 88% of their free throws.

Their problems appeared more clearly when the complete team statistics were examined.

First, their 40% field-goal percentage was considerably lower than Cleveland’s 50%.

Second, Phoenix recorded eight fewer assists than Cleveland.

Third, the Suns allowed the Cavaliers to finish with nine blocks, compared with Phoenix’s five.

The opening quarter also created a difficult scoring deficit.

These factors combined to make the comeback more challenging. Phoenix showed improvement in the second and third periods, but the team could not maintain that momentum in the fourth.

Cleveland Cavaliers Player Stats and Individual Performances

Cleveland’s 129-point performance was built around efficient shooting and contributions from multiple players.

The Cavaliers finished with a 50% field-goal percentage, made 15 three-pointers, and recorded 31 assists. Their ability to combine individual scoring with team-oriented offense was one of the biggest reasons they won the game.

Donovan Mitchell led the team with 34 points, but his performance was not limited to scoring. He also collected 10 rebounds and delivered seven assists.

Donovan Mitchell Player Stats

Cleveland Cavaliers Media Day

Donovan Mitchell

Game’s leading scorer

34 PTS

10 REB | 7 AST

Statistical Category	Donovan Mitchell
Points	34
Rebounds	10
Assists	7
Field goals	10-18
Field-goal percentage	55.6%
Three-pointers	4-7
Three-point percentage	57.1%
Free throws	10-12
Free-throw percentage	83.3%
Steals	2
Blocks	1

Mitchell delivered the strongest individual scoring performance of the matchup.

His 34 points were two more than Booker’s total, making him the leading scorer on either team.

His shooting efficiency was another major strength. He converted 10 of 18 field-goal attempts, which represents approximately 55.6%.

He was particularly effective from three-point range, making four of seven attempts.

That 57.1% three-point percentage gave Cleveland another reliable scoring option from the perimeter.

Mitchell also made 10 of 12 free throws. His ability to convert at the line helped him reach 34 points without requiring an unusually high number of field-goal attempts.

However, the most impressive aspect of his performance was his contribution across multiple statistical categories.

He collected 10 rebounds, giving him a double-double, and recorded seven assists.

The combination of 34 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists shows how much influence he had on Cleveland’s offensive performance.

His two steals and one block also demonstrate that his contribution extended beyond scoring and playmaking.

Mitchell’s performance was especially valuable because Phoenix had a high-scoring star of its own. His production helped Cleveland maintain an individual scoring advantage over Booker while also supporting the team’s overall offensive structure.

Cleveland Starting Lineup Performance

The Cavaliers started five players against Phoenix.

Position Role	Player
Guard	Darius Garland
Guard	Donovan Mitchell
Forward	Evan Mobley
Forward	Dean Wade
Center	Jarrett Allen

This lineup offered a combination of perimeter scoring, ball handling, size, and interior defense.

Mitchell was the leading scorer, while Garland provided another backcourt playmaking option.

Mobley and Allen gave Cleveland a strong frontcourt combination. Their presence helped the Cavaliers compete around the basket and protect the paint.

Dean Wade completed the starting group with another forward option.

The lineup’s structure was important because Cleveland did not depend on a single type of scoring opportunity.

Its guards could create offense from the perimeter, while its frontcourt players supplied size and interior coverage.

The available player-specific data confirms Mitchell’s numbers and identifies Allen’s strong plus/minus rating. It does not establish complete individual scoring figures for Garland, Mobley, Wade, or Allen.

Those figures should not be estimated or presented as confirmed box-score results.

Jarrett Allen’s Plus/Minus Impact

Cleveland Cavaliers Media Day

Jarrett Allen

+18

Best reported plus/minus among Cavaliers players

Jarrett Allen recorded the best reported plus/minus figure for Cleveland at +18.

This number is particularly interesting because it was higher than the Cavaliers’ final winning margin of 16 points.

The statistic means Cleveland outscored Phoenix by 18 points during the minutes Allen was on the court.

It does not mean Allen personally scored 18 points, nor does it provide his individual scoring total.

Nevertheless, the figure highlights the positive team impact associated with his minutes.

Allen’s position also makes this statistic worth examining. As a center, his role involves more than scoring. Interior defense, rebounding, screening, and positioning can all influence how effectively a team performs.

Cleveland’s nine blocks as a team also suggest that rim protection was an important part of its defensive performance.

Although the available numbers do not establish how many of those blocks Allen recorded, his +18 rating makes him an important player to consider when evaluating the Cavaliers’ lineup performance.

Cleveland Cavaliers Bench Players

The reported Cleveland bench rotation included:

• Nae’Qwan Tomlin
• Thomas Bryant
• Sam Merrill
• Jaylon Tyson
• Craig Porter Jr.
• Tyrese Proctor
• Lonzo Ball

These players provided additional rotation options behind Cleveland’s starting five.

The depth of the available lineup gave the Cavaliers opportunities to maintain different combinations of guards, forwards, and centers throughout the game.

However, the supplied data does not include complete individual bench statistics.

For that reason, it would be inaccurate to assign specific point totals or shooting percentages to these players without the detailed player box score.

The overall team result does provide useful context. Cleveland recorded 31 assists and 54 rebounds, showing that its offense and rebounding production extended beyond the team’s leading scorer.

The Cavaliers also finished with 14 offensive rebounds and 40 defensive rebounds.

These team figures demonstrate the importance of contributions across the rotation, even when individual bench numbers are not available.

Why Cleveland’s Offense Was More Effective

Three major statistical factors explain Cleveland’s offensive success.

1. Better overall shooting

Cleveland converted 48 of 96 field-goal attempts.

Phoenix made 42 of 105.

This created a 10-percentage-point difference in field-goal efficiency.

2. More assists

Cleveland recorded 31 assists, while Phoenix finished with 23.

The eight-assist difference suggests that Cleveland generated more assisted scoring opportunities.

3. Better interior defense

The Cavaliers recorded nine blocks, compared with five for Phoenix.

This four-block advantage reflects Cleveland’s stronger shot-blocking output during the contest.

Together, these numbers explain why Cleveland scored 129 points despite making the same number of three-pointers as Phoenix.

Complete Team Statistical Comparison

The team comparison provides a clearer explanation of the result than the final score alone.

Both teams recorded 15 successful three-point shots. Both also made a similar number of rebounds.

However, Cleveland was more efficient from the field and created more assists.

Team Statistics	Phoenix Suns	Cleveland Cavaliers
Total points	113	129
Field goals made	42	48
Field goals attempted	105	96
Field-goal percentage	40%	50%
Three-pointers made	15	15
Three-pointers attempted	36	38
Three-point percentage	42%	39%
Free throws made	14	18
Free throws attempted	16	22
Free-throw percentage	88%	82%
Total rebounds	52	54
Offensive rebounds	19	14
Defensive rebounds	33	40
Assists	23	31
Turnovers	13	14
Steals	8	7
Blocks	5	9
Personal fouls	20	17

Field-Goal Efficiency: Cleveland’s Biggest Advantage

The difference in field-goal efficiency was one of the most important statistical factors.

Cleveland made 48 of its 96 field-goal attempts.

Phoenix made 42 of 105 attempts.

The Cavaliers therefore made six more field goals despite attempting nine fewer shots.

This is a particularly meaningful comparison because it demonstrates how efficiently Cleveland converted its available opportunities.

A team can attempt more shots and still lose if it does not convert enough of them.

Phoenix’s 105 attempts were nine more than Cleveland’s total, but the Suns finished with a lower number of successful field goals.

Cleveland’s 50% shooting percentage also created a more stable offensive foundation.

Phoenix’s 40% figure meant the Suns needed additional scoring opportunities to produce a similar number of points.

That difference became costly when Cleveland continued scoring efficiently in the fourth quarter.

Three-Point Shooting: Phoenix Had a Small Percentage Advantage

Both teams made 15 three-pointers.

However, Phoenix attempted 36 shots from beyond the arc, while Cleveland attempted 38.

The Suns converted 42% of their three-point attempts, compared with Cleveland’s 39%.

This means Phoenix actually had the better three-point percentage.

That detail is important because it prevents an oversimplified explanation of the game.

Cleveland did not win because it made more three-pointers. It made the same number.

The difference came from the other areas of shooting and overall offensive execution.

Booker also had an excellent individual perimeter performance, making two of four attempts.

Mitchell converted four of seven, providing Cleveland with an efficient individual three-point contribution.

Free-Throw Shooting: Phoenix Was More Accurate

Phoenix made 14 of 16 free throws, producing an 88% success rate.

Cleveland made 18 of 22, finishing at approximately 82%.

The Suns were more accurate from the free-throw line.

However, Cleveland attempted six more free throws and made four more.

This gave the Cavaliers a four-point advantage in total free-throw production despite their lower percentage.

This is a useful example of the difference between shooting accuracy and total scoring output.

A team can have a higher percentage without scoring more points from a particular category.

Rebounding: Both Teams Collected More Than 50

Phoenix finished with 52 rebounds, while Cleveland recorded 54.

The two-point difference was relatively small.

However, the distribution of rebounds tells a more interesting story.

Phoenix collected 19 offensive rebounds, compared with Cleveland’s 14.

This gave the Suns a five-rebound advantage on the offensive glass.

Offensive rebounds are important because they provide another opportunity to score after a missed shot.

Phoenix’s 19 offensive rebounds show that the team created additional possession opportunities.

Cleveland, meanwhile, recorded 40 defensive rebounds, compared with Phoenix’s 33.

That seven-rebound advantage in defensive rebounds suggests that the Cavaliers were more successful at securing missed shots on their defensive end.

The difference between offensive and defensive rebounding also helps explain why total rebound numbers alone cannot fully describe a team’s performance.

Phoenix won the offensive rebounding comparison, but Cleveland had the stronger defensive rebounding total.

Assists: Cleveland’s Ball Movement Stood Out

Cleveland recorded 31 assists.

Phoenix finished with 23.

The Cavaliers therefore produced eight more assists than the Suns.

This was one of the clearest differences between the teams.

Assists provide a useful way to understand how frequently players create scoring opportunities for teammates.

A higher assist total can reflect effective passing, movement without the ball, and successful offensive coordination.

Cleveland’s 31 assists indicate that its offense involved more assisted scoring than Phoenix’s.

Phoenix still recorded 23 assists, which is a respectable contribution, but the eight-assist gap was substantial.

The comparison also helps explain how Cleveland managed to make 48 field goals despite attempting fewer shots.

Its offensive efficiency was supported by stronger collective execution.

Turnovers: Almost Identical Results

Phoenix recorded 13 turnovers.

Cleveland recorded 14.

The Suns therefore committed one fewer turnover.

This is a relatively small difference and does not explain the 16-point result by itself.

In fact, Phoenix had a slight advantage in this category.

The numbers show that the Cavaliers did not win because the Suns repeatedly gave the ball away.

Instead, Cleveland’s victory was more closely associated with its shooting efficiency, assists, and defensive production.

Steals and Blocks: Cleveland Controlled the Paint

Phoenix recorded eight steals, while Cleveland had seven.

The Suns held a one-steal advantage.

Blocks, however, told a different story.

Cleveland finished with nine blocks, compared with Phoenix’s five.

This four-block difference was an important defensive advantage.

Blocked shots can prevent opponents from converting attempts close to the basket. They can also change how offensive players approach the paint.

Cleveland’s higher total reflects stronger shot-blocking production across the game.

It is important not to assume that every block resulted in a turnover or directly prevented a specific number of points. The team statistic simply confirms that Cleveland recorded more blocked shots.

Personal Fouls: Phoenix Committed More

Phoenix recorded 20 personal fouls.

Cleveland committed 17.

The Suns therefore finished with three more personal fouls.

This difference was not enormous, but it provides additional context for the free-throw comparison.

Cleveland attempted 22 free throws, while Phoenix attempted 16.

The Cavaliers had more opportunities at the line, although the supplied statistics do not provide enough detail to attribute every attempt to a particular foul situation.

Overall, the combination of more free-throw attempts and better field-goal efficiency helped Cleveland produce a higher scoring total.

The Most Important Statistical Differences

The following comparison highlights the categories where the gap between the teams was most significant.

Statistical Category	Advantage	Difference
Total points	Cleveland	+16
Field-goal percentage	Cleveland	+10 percentage points
Field goals made	Cleveland	+6
Three-point percentage	Phoenix	+3 percentage points
Free-throw percentage	Phoenix	+6 percentage points
Total rebounds	Cleveland	+2
Offensive rebounds	Phoenix	+5
Defensive rebounds	Cleveland	+7
Assists	Cleveland	+8
Turnovers	Phoenix	1 fewer
Steals	Phoenix	+1
Blocks	Cleveland	+4

The table highlights a central theme of the matchup.

Phoenix won some individual statistical categories, but Cleveland won several of the categories that directly supported its offensive efficiency.

The Cavaliers’ advantages in field-goal percentage, assists, and blocks were especially important.

Why Did the Cleveland Cavaliers Beat the Phoenix Suns?

Cleveland’s 16-point victory resulted from several connected factors rather than one isolated statistic.

1. The Cavaliers Established Control Early

The first-quarter score was 37-21 in Cleveland’s favor.

This created a 16-point advantage almost immediately.

Phoenix spent the next two quarters trying to recover from that deficit.

Although the Suns reduced the margin, the early scoring difference forced them to play from behind for most of the contest.

2. Cleveland Converted More Field-Goal Attempts

The Cavaliers made 48 field goals, compared with Phoenix’s 42.

More importantly, Cleveland needed nine fewer attempts to reach that total.

This was a clear demonstration of superior shooting efficiency.

The Suns’ higher number of attempts did not translate into a higher scoring total because their overall conversion rate was lower.

3. Donovan Mitchell Delivered an Outstanding All-Around Performance

Mitchell’s 34 points made him the leading scorer.

His 10 rebounds and seven assists also showed his impact in other areas.

He was not simply taking shots and accumulating points.

He contributed to Cleveland’s rebounding and playmaking, making his performance valuable across several aspects of the game.

4. Cleveland Created More Assisted Scoring Opportunities

The Cavaliers finished with 31 assists.

Phoenix recorded 23.

This difference suggests that Cleveland’s offense was more effective at creating scoring opportunities through team play.

A balanced offense can make it more difficult for opponents to focus their defensive attention on one player.

5. Cleveland Protected the Basket More Effectively

The Cavaliers recorded nine blocks.

Phoenix managed five.

This gave Cleveland a noticeable advantage in rim protection.

It also provided another way to limit Phoenix’s offensive effectiveness, especially when the Suns attempted to generate points inside.

6. The Cavaliers Responded in the Fourth Quarter

Phoenix won the second and third quarters.

However, Cleveland won the fourth quarter 33-24.

This response prevented the Suns from completing their comeback.

The Cavaliers’ ability to regain offensive momentum was ultimately decisive.

Phoenix Suns vs Cleveland Cavaliers: Starting Lineup Comparison

Both teams used starting lineups featuring a combination of experienced guards, versatile forwards, and interior players.

Phoenix Suns	Cleveland Cavaliers
Devin Booker	Donovan Mitchell
Collin Gillespie	Darius Garland
Dillon Brooks	Dean Wade
Royce O’Neale	Evan Mobley
Mark Williams	Jarrett Allen

The most obvious individual matchup was between Booker and Mitchell.

Both players led their respective teams in scoring.

Booker recorded 32 points, while Mitchell finished with 34.

However, their statistical contributions were different.

Booker relied primarily on scoring, finishing with two rebounds and four assists.

Mitchell contributed 10 rebounds and seven assists in addition to his 34 points.

This made Mitchell’s overall statistical performance more complete.

The frontcourt comparison also deserves attention.

Phoenix started Mark Williams, while Cleveland used Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley.

Both teams had considerable size in their starting groups, but Cleveland’s final team block total was nine.

The Cavaliers also recorded 40 defensive rebounds.

These figures show that interior defense and defensive rebounding were important parts of Cleveland’s winning performance.

Individual Matchup: Devin Booker vs Donovan Mitchell

The battle between Booker and Mitchell was one of the most interesting aspects of the game.

Both players finished above 30 points, demonstrating their importance to their teams.

Statistic	Devin Booker	Donovan Mitchell
Points	32	34
Rebounds	2	10
Assists	4	7
Field goals	13-25	10-18
Field-goal percentage	52%	55.6%
Three-pointers	2-4	4-7
Three-point percentage	50%	57.1%
Free throws	4-4	10-12
Steals	1	2
Blocks	1	1

Scoring Comparison

Mitchell finished with 34 points, giving him a two-point advantage over Booker.

However, both players demonstrated excellent individual scoring ability.

Booker made 13 field goals, while Mitchell made 10.

Mitchell reached his higher point total through a combination of field goals and free throws.

Shooting Efficiency

Mitchell shot approximately 55.6% from the field.

Booker finished at 52%.

Both percentages were above their respective team shooting percentages.

This shows that the two leading scorers were more efficient than their teams as a whole.

Playmaking Comparison

Mitchell recorded seven assists, while Booker had four.

The three-assist difference favored the Cleveland guard.

Mitchell’s higher assist total was consistent with Cleveland’s overall advantage in team assists.

Rebounding Comparison

The largest statistical difference between the two players came on the boards.

Mitchell collected 10 rebounds.

Booker recorded two.

That eight-rebound difference gave Mitchell an additional area of influence.

His performance demonstrated that a leading scorer can also contribute significantly to rebounding and playmaking.

Overall Individual Performance

Booker delivered an excellent scoring performance for Phoenix.

Mitchell, however, produced a more complete statistical line.

His combination of points, rebounds, assists, steals, and efficient shooting helped Cleveland maintain its advantage.

Both players were important to the matchup, but Mitchell’s all-around contribution was more closely associated with the winning team’s performance.

What the Match Statistics Reveal About Both Teams

The numbers from this matchup provide several useful lessons about how NBA games are won.

Phoenix Needs More Consistent Team Shooting

Phoenix made 42 of 105 field-goal attempts.

Although Booker shot efficiently, the team finished at only 40%.

The difference between Booker’s 52% shooting and the team’s 40% percentage highlights the importance of supporting offensive production.

When one player performs efficiently but the rest of the team struggles to convert opportunities, it becomes difficult to maintain scoring consistency.

Cleveland Benefits From Balanced Offensive Production

Cleveland’s 31 assists were a major strength.

The Cavaliers did not depend exclusively on Mitchell’s individual scoring. Their overall offensive numbers showed a more productive team approach.

This type of offensive balance can help a team remain effective even when its leading scorer faces defensive pressure.

Defensive Rebounding Remains Important

Phoenix collected more offensive rebounds, but Cleveland had a significant advantage in defensive rebounds.

The Cavaliers’ 40 defensive rebounds helped them finish possessions and limit Phoenix’s opportunities to extend offensive sequences.

Strong Finishing Can Decide Close Comebacks

Phoenix won the second and third quarters but still lost by 16 points.

The reason was Cleveland’s excellent opening and closing periods.

The Suns demonstrated that they could compete offensively, but their performance was not consistent across all four quarters.

Historical Context and Season Series

The January 1, 2026 matchup was the first reported meeting between these teams in their 2025-26 season series.

Cleveland secured the first victory, moving ahead 1-0 in the series.

The result was also important when viewed against the teams’ records entering the contest.

Phoenix entered with a 19-14 overall record and a 9-9 away record.

Cleveland entered with a 19-16 record and a 12-8 home record.

The Cavaliers therefore improved their position with a home victory against an opponent that had a slightly better overall record.

The result also demonstrated that team records alone do not determine the outcome of an individual game.

Phoenix had fewer losses entering the contest, but Cleveland produced the more efficient performance on the court.

The season-series advantage belonged to Cleveland after this meeting. The supplied information does not establish the results of any later meetings, so this analysis does not assume the final season-series outcome.

Game Details, Officials, and Broadcast Information

The matchup took place at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.

A total of 19,432 spectators attended the game.

The reported officials were:

• Courtney Kirkland
• Eric Dalen
• Dannica Baroody

The broadcast information included FanDuel SN OH and Arizona’s Family 3TV, along with two additional channels.

The game was recorded under ESPN Game ID 401810320.

For readers who want to examine the original statistical record, the ESPN box score provides the game-specific statistical reference.

How to Read and Understand NBA Player Statistics

Understanding individual player statistics makes it easier to evaluate performances beyond points scored.

A player can score 30 points and still have a limited overall impact if the player contributes little in other areas.

Similarly, a player who scores fewer points can influence a game through rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, and defensive work.

Here are the most important statistics used to evaluate this matchup.

Points (PTS)

Points measure how many points a player scores.

In this game, Mitchell scored 34 points, while Booker recorded 32.

These were the highest individual scoring totals for their respective teams.

Rebounds (REB)

Rebounds measure how many missed shots a player recovers.

There are two major categories:

• Offensive rebounds occur when a player recovers a missed shot by their own team.
• Defensive rebounds occur when a player recovers a missed shot by the opposing team.

Mitchell recorded 10 rebounds, while Booker collected two.

Assists (AST)

Assists are credited when a player makes a pass that directly leads to a teammate scoring a basket.

Mitchell recorded seven assists, while Booker finished with four.

At team level, Cleveland’s 31 assists showed a clear advantage in assisted scoring.

Field-Goal Percentage (FG%)

Field-goal percentage measures the proportion of successful field-goal attempts.

The calculation is:

\[ FG\%=\frac{\text{Field Goals Made}}{\text{Field Goals Attempted}}\times100 \]

For example, Cleveland made 48 of 96 attempts.

\[ \frac{48}{96}\times100=50\% \]

This was higher than Phoenix’s 40%.

Three-Point Percentage (3P%)

This statistic measures shooting accuracy from beyond the three-point line.

Phoenix made 15 of 36 attempts, while Cleveland made 15 of 38.

Phoenix therefore had the higher three-point percentage.

Free-Throw Percentage (FT%)

Free-throw percentage measures how frequently a player or team converts free-throw attempts.

Phoenix finished at 88%, while Cleveland recorded 82%.

Although Phoenix was more accurate, Cleveland made four additional free throws because it attempted more.

Plus/Minus (+/-)

Plus/minus measures the team’s point differential while a player is on the court.

For example, a player with a +8 rating was on the court while their team outscored its opponent by eight points.

Nigel Hayes-Davis, Rasheer Fleming, and Khaman Maluach each recorded +8 for Phoenix.

Jarrett Allen led Cleveland with +18.

This statistic should always be considered alongside other performance indicators because it reflects team scoring during a player’s minutes rather than individual production alone.

What Makes This Matchup Important for Basketball Analysis?

This game is a useful example of why basketball analysis should include more than scoring totals.

Phoenix had the higher three-point percentage, more offensive rebounds, more steals, and fewer turnovers.

Those advantages might suggest that the Suns performed well in several important areas.

However, Cleveland had a much higher overall field-goal percentage and recorded eight more assists.

The Cavaliers also had four more blocks and seven more defensive rebounds.

The difference demonstrates how multiple statistical categories interact.

For example, Phoenix’s offensive rebounding advantage created additional opportunities, but those opportunities did not translate into enough successful field goals.

Cleveland’s shooting efficiency helped compensate for its lower offensive rebounding total.

Similarly, Phoenix’s perimeter accuracy was impressive, but the Cavaliers were more productive from the field overall.

The final score reflected these combined advantages.

For readers studying NBA performances, this is an important distinction: a team does not need to win every statistical category to win the game.

It needs to perform effectively in the areas that have the greatest influence on scoring and preventing points.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who won the Phoenix Suns vs Cleveland Cavaliers game on January 1, 2026?

The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Phoenix Suns 129-113 on January 1, 2026, at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland won by 16 points.

2. How many points did Devin Booker score against Cleveland?

Devin Booker scored 32 points for the Phoenix Suns. He also recorded two rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block.

3. How many points did Donovan Mitchell score against Phoenix?

Donovan Mitchell scored 34 points for Cleveland. He also recorded 10 rebounds and seven assists, completing a double-double.

4. Which team had the better shooting percentage?

The Cleveland Cavaliers had the better overall field-goal percentage, shooting 50% compared with Phoenix’s 40%. However, Phoenix had the better three-point percentage at 42%.

5. How many assists did Cleveland record against Phoenix?

Cleveland recorded 31 assists, while Phoenix finished with 23. The Cavaliers therefore had an eight-assist advantage.

6. Who recorded the best plus/minus in the game?

Jarrett Allen recorded Cleveland’s best reported plus/minus at +18. For Phoenix, Nigel Hayes-Davis, Rasheer Fleming, and Khaman Maluach each recorded +8.

Conclusion

The January 1, 2026 matchup between the Phoenix Suns and Cleveland Cavaliers demonstrated the importance of shooting efficiency, team playmaking, and consistent performance across all four quarters.

Cleveland secured a 129-113 victory after establishing a 16-point advantage in the first quarter. Although Phoenix responded by winning the second and third periods, the Cavaliers regained control in the fourth and finished with a convincing result.

Donovan Mitchell delivered the leading individual performance with 34 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. Devin Booker also produced an impressive performance, scoring 32 points while shooting 52% from the field.

The team statistics explain why Cleveland emerged victorious. The Cavaliers shot 50% overall, recorded 31 assists, collected 54 rebounds, and blocked nine shots. Phoenix had advantages in three-point percentage, offensive rebounds, steals, and turnovers, but those strengths were not enough to overcome Cleveland’s offensive efficiency.

Ultimately, the phoenix suns vs cleveland cavaliers match player stats highlight the difference between individual scoring and complete team performance. Both teams had productive players, but Cleveland combined efficient shooting with better playmaking and a stronger finish to earn the victory.