Cavs beatdown Memphis for 50th win of the season

Apr 6, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Keon Ellis (14) reacts during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images Evan Mobley scored 24 points, Sam Merrill added 21, and the Cleveland Cavaliers pulled away from the Memphis Grizzlies 142-126 for their 50th win of the season. Jarrett Allen returned to the starting lineup after resting Sunday night against Indiana, scoring 13 points and blocking two shots.

The Cavs’ bench did their part too, with four reserves scoring in double-digits. After securing a playoff spot and with a healthy lead in the standings for the fourth seed, the Cavs opted to rest their star backcourt of Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. During the game, the Cavs also locked up no worse than fourth in the conference after the Atlanta Hawks lost to the New York Knicks .

With some level of concern regarding Allen’s knee, it was good to see him getting up and down the floor with ease and making athletic plays. In one sequence in the second quarter, he swatted a dunk attempt at the rim and came right back down the court with an and-one on a tough reverse lay-in. The Cavs will be cautious with his minutes in these somewhat less essential games, but it’s important for Allen to stay sharp after his absences over the last month or so.

Mobley imposed his size and athleticism, which should be expected against a team that was playing mostly reserves and G League players. It would’ve been nothing short of concerning had Mobley put forth a bad game, especially since he sat out the night before. His 9-11 shooting from the floor was especially impressive, and some of those makes were good post moves and offensive process.