The Cleveland Cavs learned they have an All-Star starter. Will their wish for the other members of the core four to join Donovan Mitchell be granted?

Down by as much as 13 points against the Rockets, the Cavs found a defensive spark in their zone-based scheme from big man Jarrett Allen.

It's Mitchell's sixth straight All-Star appearance and second career starting nod, both of which have come with the Cavs.

As for how they've been so successful, center Jarrett Allen offered a simple explanation: "We're just playing Cavs basketball. It's ethical basketball."

Donovan Mitchell erupted for 33 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers cooled off the visiting Phoenix Suns with a 118-92 victory on Monday.

Donovan Mitchell scored 33 points — 23 in the second half — and Darius Garland added 16 as the Cleveland Cavaliers began the season's unofficial second half by beating the Phoenix Suns 118-92 in a holiday matinee.

Most players in the NBA know they will get a week off for the All-Star break in mid-February — a time they look forward to as a chance to reenergize for the second half of the season. Not so for

Most players in the NBA know they will get a week off for the All-Star break in mid-February — a time they look forward to as a chance to reenergize for the second half of the season. Not so for

January 15 - Donovan Mitchell scored 27 of his game-high 35 points ... which avenged a 15-point home loss to the Pacers on Sunday. Jarrett Allen chipped in 16 points and nine rebounds, and Max Strus had 13 points off the bench. Pascal Siakam led Indiana ...

Donovan Mitchell scored 36 points, grabbed eight rebounds and dished seven assists, and the Cleveland Cavaliers held on for a 124-117 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.