CAVS CASH IN ON RUDY FOUL-UP

Gobert’s technical gives Cleveland perfect chance to see off Minnesota in OT

Quietly but surely, the Cleveland Cavaliers are making a statement in the National Basketball Association's (NBA) Eastern Conference, even when they have key players sidelined.

On March 8, fuelled by 34 points from Darius Garland and 33 from Jarrett Allen, the Cavs notched another big NBA victory when they outlasted Western Conference contenders Minnesota Timberwolves 113-104 in overtime.

Cleveland, who overturned a 22-point fourth-quarter deficit to stun the league-leading Boston Celtics on March 5, held on for the win over a team who came in as West leaders but finished the night half a game behind the Oklahoma City Thunder, who beat the Miami Heat 107-100.

"It just boosts us for when everybody else gets back," Allen said of their latest home victory which puts them at 41-22, behind the Celtics (48-14). "Contrary to belief, we're better when everybody is in the line-up." That was a warning sign to the rest of the league.

The Cavs, without injured starters Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Max Strus, still found the firepower to overcome Minnesota, who were coming off a draining victory over the Indiana Pacers on March 7.