The Cavs have dropped two consecutive games for only the second time this season as they look to rebound Saturday night against the Houston Rockets.

The unsung hero of Cleveland's victory was Georges Niang, who put together his best game of the season on both ends of the floor. The veteran forward finished the game with 15 points and 10 rebounds while shooting 71 percent (5-for-7) from the floor.

Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson commends Georges Niang and Ty Jerome for their pivotal roles in the teams win over the Timberwolves.

Donovan Mitchell had 36 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night.

Pascal Siakam scored 23 points and Bennedict Mathurin 19 for the Pacers, who had their six-game winning streak halted. Myles Turned added 17 points. The Cavaliers led 82-77 in the third quarter before going on a 10-0 run that included 3-pointers by Max Strus, Georges Niang and Mobley. Cleveland led 100-89 after three periods.

Donovan Mitchell scored 36 points ... five rebounds and six assists for Cleveland. Georges Niang and Ty Jerome scored 15 points apiece off the bench, and Jarrett Allen chipped in 14 points ...

Donovan Mitchell scored 27 of his game-high ... Strus made one of two free throws, and Georges Niang and Mobley nailed 3-pointers widened the cushion to 92-77 with 3:36 remaining in the third.

Alperen Sengun sank two free throws with 4.5 seconds left and the Houston Rockets survived a seven-minute scoring drought in the fourth quarter to outlast the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers 109-108 on Wednesday.

Donovan Mitchell scored 36 points ... Cleveland had 15-point efforts from bench players Ty Jerome and Georges Niang. Both teams play Monday. The Cavaliers host Phoenix, while the Timberwolves play at Memphis.

January 15 - Donovan Mitchell scored 27 of his game-high 35 points ... Strus made one of two free throws, and Georges Niang and Mobley nailed 3-pointers widened the cushion to 92-77 with 3:36 remaining in the third. McConnell scored the final two baskets ...

Donovan Mitchell scored 35 points and the Cavaliers beat the Pacers 127-117 to end Indiana's six-game winning streak.

Amen Thompson came up with critical late rebounds and points as part of his triple-double performance, and the visiting Houston Rockets completed the regular-season sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers with a 135-131 decision on Saturday.