Cavaliers Dominate Rival Hornets in 94-87 Victory
The Cleveland Cavaliers secured a commanding 94-87 victory over the Charlotte Hornets in a game marked by their dominance. This match was part of the NBA’s “Rivals Week,” showcasing the Cavs’ strength against a young Charlotte team still in the rebuilding stages.
Cavaliers Take Charge Early
From the start, the Cavaliers set the tone. They opened the game with a burst, scoring the first eight points and establishing an early double-digit lead within minutes. By the end of the first quarter, Cleveland had built a significant 21-point margin.
Strong First Half Performance
- First quarter lead reached 21 points.
- Game-high lead of 27 points by halftime.
- Charlotte struggled, hitting only one of its first nine shots.
With a 24-point advantage at halftime, the Cavaliers showed their prowess despite missing key players like Darius Garland and Sam Merrill. All-Star hopeful Donovan Mitchell led the team with 24 points, six assists, and three rebounds.
Hornets Fight Back
After halftime, the Hornets surged with renewed energy. They initiated a 12-2 run, trimming the Cavaliers’ lead significantly. Their efforts brought the game within seven points, igniting hope among the home fans.
- Second-half outscore: Hornets 32, Cavaliers 20 in the third quarter.
- Brandon Miller led the Hornets with 24 points.
Even as Charlotte closed the gap and made the score a tense four-point game in the final minute, they couldn’t fully overcome Cleveland’s early advantage. A missed three-point attempt by Miller in the dying seconds sealed their fate.
Key Players and Team Stats
The Cavaliers’ balanced scoring approach highlighted their depth. Evan Mobley contributed 14 points and 14 rebounds, while Jarrett Allen added 13 points. For Charlotte, rookie Kon Knueppel achieved a notable double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds.
Unfortunately for the Hornets, their shooting struggles continued, finishing with just 33.7% from the field and 17% from three-point range. LaMelo Ball, returning from the bench, managed only two points on a disappointing 1 of 15 shooting.
Looking Ahead
The Cavaliers’ victory serves as a bounce-back performance after their previous game against the champions. They will next face the Sacramento Kings at home on Friday night, with tipoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
