CLEVELAND — The Cavaliers have a chance to end the first half of the 2025-26 season with a bit of momentum.
A win over the Utah Jazz on Jan. 12 would give the Cavs a record of 6-2 in their past eight games and a record of 6-1 in their past seven games at Rocket Arena. Although this Cavs season has been a huge disappointment thus far, the team has been getting healthier and winning more lately.
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During the 41st game of an 82-game regular season, the Cavs are welcoming back a franchise legend, Jazz forward Kevin Love. The two teams have other connections, too, primarily because of Cleveland acquiring All-NBA guard Donovan Mitchell from Utah in a blockbuster trade in 2022.
Tip-off for Cavs (22-18) versus Jazz (13-25) occurred at 7:11 p.m. Check below for updates throughout the game.
Cavs, Jazz score: Cleveland, Utah in 1-point game late in third quarter
The Cavs trail the Jazz, 87-86, with a little more than two minutes left in the third quarter.
Nae’Qwan Tomlin has had a productive night, scoring 13 points off the bench on 6-for-8 shooting to go with three assists. His athleticism has provided a nice boost, and he’s seeing some extended minutes.
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Cavs, Jazz tied in third quarter
Utah has opened the third quarter on a 16-8 run, which has this one tied 70-70 three minutes into the second half.
That Jazz run was capped by Lauri Markkanen, who isn’t letting the Cavs forget that they traded him with back-to-back 3s, now giving him a game-high 22 points.
Darius Garland hits 3 at the buzzer, Cavs lead Jazz at half
The second quarter has been arguably the Cavs’ biggest problem all season, but that wasn’t the case tonight, as Cleveland out-scored Utah 40-20 in the second quarter to take a 62-54 lead into halftime.
Darius Garland buried a 3 at the first-half buzzer to cap a 26-8 run to end the first half. He has 12 points (4-for-8), six assists and three steals thus far.
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Donovan Mitchell has a team-high 14 points, also on 4-for-8 shooting from the floor.
Former Cavs forward Lauri Markkanen has a game-high 16 points and seven rebounds at the half.
Donovan Mitchell leads Cavs on run to open second quarter
The Cavs have trimmed the Jazz lead to 41-34 with 9:08 left in the second quarter, largely thanks to Donovan Mitchell’s eight points in a three-minute span, including two 3s.
Between Mitchell and Nae’Qwan Tomlin (2-for-3), the Cavs hit four of their first five attempts in the quarter.
Jan 12, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) passes as Utah Jazz forward Cody Williams (5) defends during the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Cavs trail Jazz 34-22 at the end of the first quarter
For the Cavs, a 34-22 deficit at the end of the first quarter could have been a lot worse.
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The Cavs came out flat against the Jazz and trailed by as many as 17 points in the opening quarter.
The Cavs finished the first quarter 9-of-25 shooting from the floor (3 of 11 on 3-pointers) compared with the Jazz going 10-of-22 shooting from the field (6 of 12 on 3-pointers). The Jazz outrebounded the Cavs 18-7 in the opening quarter.
Former Cavs forward Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with six points in the first quarter. Guards Donovan Mitchell and Craig Porter Jr. paced the Cavs with five points apiece.
Cavs show life with 8-0 run vs. Jazz
After falling behind 23-6 to start the game, the Cavs went on an 8-0 against the Jazz and trailed 23-14 with 3:14 left in the first quarter.
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A layup by guard Craig Porter Jr., a 3-pointer by guard Darius Garland and a three-point play by wing Jaylon Tyson accounted for the eight points.
Jan 12, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) drives to the basket against Utah Jazz center Jusuf Nurkic (30) during the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Cavs taking beating from Jazz in the first quarter, falling behind 21-4 with 5:19 left
Well, the Cavs will need a big comeback to defeat the Jazz.
The Cavs trailed the Jazz 21-4 with 5:19 left in the first quarter.
Cleveland started the game 2-of-13 shooting from the field (0 of 7 on 3-pointers). Utah began the game 7-of-15 shooting from the floor (3 of 6 on 3s).
The early results in the rebounding battle also stood out. The Jazz held a 14-3 advantage at this juncture.
Jan 12, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket against Utah Jazz forward Cody Williams (5) during the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Cavs trail Jazz 12-2 with 7:36 left in the first quarter
The Cavs trailed the Jazz 12-2 with 7:36 left in the first quarter. Cleveland came out of the gate flat on offense, going 1-of-9 shooting from the field (0 of 4 on 3-pointers) to begin the game.
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The Jazz extended their lead to 12-2 when forward Cody Williams made a 3-pointer with 7:38 left in the opening quarter, sending the Cavs into a timeout.
Below is some pregame information.
Cavs injury report vs. Jazz
The Cavs ruled out forward Dean Wade (left knee contusion), small forward Max Strus (offseason left foot surgery), forward Chris Livingston (two-way contract) and forward Luke Travers (two-way contract).
Cavaliers column: Cavs report sighting of the Evan Mobley they need on offense | Opinion
Jan 10, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) celebrates after hitting a three point basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Jazz injury report vs. Cavaliers
The Jazz ruled out former Cavs forward Georges Niang (left foot), center Walker Kessler (left shoulder injury recovery), guard John Tonje (two-way contract), forward Oscar Tshiebwe (two-way contract) and guard Elijah Harkless (two-way contract).
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The Jazz listed guard Ace Bailey (left hip flexor strain) and center Jusuf Nurkic (toe) as available to face the Cavs.
Cavs news: Darius Garland returning to all-star form as Cavaliers pick up momentum
Cavs starters vs. Utah Jazz
The Cavs announced they will start the following players against the Jazz:
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Point guard Darius Garland
Utah Jazz starters vs. Cleveland Cavs
The Jazz will start the following players against the Cavs:
How can I watch tonight’s Cavs game vs. Utah Jazz? Cleveland Cavaliers TV and radio info
The local TV broadcast of the Cavs-Jazz game on Jan. 12 can be viewed via FanDuel Sports Network — Ohio. The radio broadcast can be heard locally via WTAM (1100-AM) or WMMS (100.7-FM).
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The Beacon Journal sports department can be contacted via email at bjsports@thebeaconjournal.com.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cleveland Cavs score vs Utah Jazz live game updates, highlights, stats