Cavaliers 142, Grizzlies 126: Cleveland rallies past Memphis

The Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Memphis Grizzlies 142-126 on Monday, April 6, 2026, at FedExForum, overcoming a 12-point first-quarter deficit behind a balanced attack led by Evan Mobley’s 24 points. Dennis Schroder added 22 points and 11 assists as Cleveland improved to 50-29.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter

Memphis came out sharp and took control early, putting up 36 points in the opening period while Cleveland managed 24. The Grizzlies moved the ball well and found space from deep, setting the tone with efficient perimeter shooting and forcing the Cavaliers to play from behind.

Second Quarter

The game changed in the second. Cleveland responded with 44 points in the quarter, outscoring Memphis 44-28 and turning a double-digit deficit into a 68-64 halftime lead. The Cavaliers were more organized offensively, got to the free-throw line, and began to show their edge on the glass.

Third Quarter

Cleveland stayed in control after halftime, winning the third quarter 33-26. The Cavaliers continued to generate quality looks inside and in transition, while Memphis could not fully match the efficiency it showed early. By the end of the period, Cleveland had built a 101-90 advantage.

Fourth Quarter

The Grizzlies kept scoring and finished with 36 fourth-quarter points, but Cleveland answered with 41 to keep the margin comfortable. Each Memphis push was met with another productive Cavaliers possession, and the visitors closed out the road win without letting the game tighten late.

Key Performers

Cavaliers: Evan Mobley led Cleveland with 24 points, while Dennis Schroder delivered one of the most complete lines of the night with 22 points and 11 assists. Jarrett Allen added a team-high nine rebounds as the Cavaliers finished with a 49-31 edge on the boards and 36 assists as a team.

Grizzlies: Olivier-Maxence Prosper scored 24 points to lead Memphis, while Walter Clayton Jr. handed out 11 assists. Adama Bal led the Grizzlies with six rebounds. Memphis also had a strong perimeter shooting night, knocking down 29 of 59 from three-point range, good for 49.2%.

NerdSports Stat: Memphis made 17 more three-pointers than Cleveland, 29 to 12, and still lost by 16 because the Cavaliers outscored the Grizzlies by 19 at the free-throw line and by 18 on the glass.

Game Analysis

This game turned on Cleveland’s efficiency and physical advantages in the middle quarters. The Cavaliers shot 58.4% from the field, assisted on 36 baskets, and consistently created high-value chances. Even though Memphis had the more productive night from long range, Cleveland made up that difference with interior scoring, second-chance control, and steady trips to the foul line.

The rebounding gap stood out. Cleveland’s 49 rebounds to Memphis’ 31 gave the visitors extra possessions and helped limit the impact of Memphis’ three-point volume. The Cavaliers also attempted 37 free throws compared to just 10 for the Grizzlies, which helped stabilize the offense whenever Memphis briefly found momentum.

For Memphis, the offense still had positive stretches. Scoring 126 points with 32 assists and nearly 50% shooting from three is usually enough to stay in strong position. But the defensive resistance was not there often enough after the first quarter, especially during Cleveland’s 44-point second period and 41-point fourth.

Closing Context

With the win, Cleveland moved to 50-29 and strengthened its position in the Eastern Conference playoff picture heading into the final stretch of the regular season. Memphis dropped to 25-54, and while the Grizzlies showed offensive punch early and from beyond the arc throughout the night, the result was another reminder that sustaining stops remains the bigger issue late in the season.

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