CLEVELAND, Ohio – After a 115-111 comeback win over the Boston Celtics, the Cavs (18-3) host the Washington Wizards (2-16) at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Tuesday. The launch date is set for 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Sunday’s win over Boston showed the Cavs’ growth and resilience. Donovan Mitchell scored 30 of his 35 points in the second half, including 20 in a confident fourth quarter. But the win was about more than Mitchell’s MVP-level heroics. Cleveland’s supporting cast stepped up, performing on both ends and revealing a team that was far more polished and cohesive than last season’s playoff squad.

Tuesday’s game presents a different challenge: demonstrating discipline against a struggling Wizards team with the worst record in the league. Washington hasn’t won a game since Oct. 30 and its porous offense and defense rank near the bottom of the league.

However, the Cavs cannot afford to overlook any opponent.

If they fulfill their potential, the matchup offers an excellent opportunity to secure a commanding lead early on and give their stars a break in the fourth quarter. Such a scenario would be invaluable after Sunday’s emotionally and physically draining battle against Boston and ahead of a demanding December schedule that ends with a daunting trip to the West Coast.

The key for Cleveland will be to continue to rely on its defensive intensity to create high-value opportunities on offense while capitalizing on ball and body movement in the halfcourt that have defined its success. Expect Kenny Atkinson to emphasize an aggressive start, controlling the tempo and preventing Washington from gaining confidence early.

For a team with championship aspirations, games like this are as much about fine-tuning habits and building maturity as they are about securing victories.

The Cavs aren’t just focused on building their balance sheet; It’s an opportunity to continue to set the standard for how they approach every game, regardless of the opponent.