CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers picked up their first victory of the season Saturday night, but Monday's matchup against the undefeated Minnesota Timberwolves at Rocket Arena presents another difficult early-season test.

Cleveland (1-1) held on for a 125-121 victory over the Brooklyn Nets after nearly squandering a 22-point lead. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 22 points, Jarrett Allen added 21, and Evan Mobley finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds.

It was a much-needed victory following Thursday's collapse against Philadelphia, when Cleveland blew a 29-point lead and lost 114-106. But Saturday's performance showed that the Cavaliers still have work to do closing games out.

Brooklyn scored 41 points in the final period, cutting what appeared to be a comfortable Cleveland lead to just two points in the closing seconds. The Cavaliers also committed 23 turnovers and surrendered 18 offensive rebounds, allowing the Nets far too many additional possessions.

Those mistakes won't fly against Minnesota.

The Timberwolves (3-0) have opened the season with three consecutive victories by at least 20 points, most recently defeating Toronto 117-94 on Sunday. Their new-look roster features Anthony Edwards alongside LaMelo Ball, who joined Minnesota during the offseason.

Edwards remains one of the NBA's most dangerous scorers, while Ball gives Minnesota another playmaker capable of creating opportunities for his teammates. The Timberwolves also have plenty of size with Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, and Jonathan Kuminga.

Minnesota's strong start creates an interesting challenge for Cleveland's defense. The Cavaliers must limit Edwards' scoring opportunities without allowing Ball to create easy baskets for the rest of the team. Controlling the defensive glass will also be important after Brooklyn's success on the offensive boards Saturday.

Offensively, Cleveland has shown it can score in bunches. Mitchell, Harden, and Mobley provide plenty of scoring options, while Allen gives the Cavaliers another weapon around the basket.

The biggest challenge has been consistency. Against a Minnesota team that has been dominant through its first three games, the Cavaliers cannot afford another extended stretch of careless turnovers and defensive breakdowns.

Cleveland will again be without Nae'Qwan Tomlin, who is recovering from a lower-back stress reaction, and Khalifa Diop, who remains sidelined with a knee injury. Minnesota will be without Donte DiVincenzo, who is dealing with an Achilles injury.

The Cavaliers split their two meetings with Minnesota last season, winning the most recent matchup 146-134 in Cleveland on January 10.

Game Information

Prediction

Minnesota's undefeated start makes this a difficult matchup, especially given the Cavaliers struggle to protect leads. But Cleveland has the offensive talent to compete with anyone, and playing at home should help. If Mitchell and Harden limit turnovers, and the Cavaliers improve their rebounding and fourth-quarter defense, they have a good opportunity to hand Minnesota its first loss.

Cleveland Cavaliers 120, Minnesota Timberwolves 115