Cavs Hold Off Hornets in Gritty Road Win
The Cleveland Cavaliers edged out the Charlotte Hornets with a 118-113 victory on Friday night, showcasing resilience and grit in a challenging road environment.
Tough Conditions, Big Win
Playing on the second night of a back-to-back in a raucous arena against a hot Hornets team, the Cavs managed to secure a crucial win. It wasn't the prettiest game, but in February, every win counts, no matter how it comes.
Strong Start, Shaky Middle
Cleveland (36-21) came out strong, dominating the first half and building a double-digit lead by the end of the first quarter. They extended the lead to 14 points but allowed Charlotte to claw back, keeping the game competitive.
The third quarter saw the Hornets catch fire from beyond the arc, hitting eight threes and briefly taking control of the game. But the Cavs showed their mettle, bending but not breaking under the pressure.
Dynamic Duo Delivers
The offense thrived thanks to the dynamic duo of Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. Their chemistry was evident, with Mitchell scoring 13 of his 32 points in the crucial fourth quarter, delivering when it mattered most.
Harden, meanwhile, played the role of facilitator, guiding the team with 18 points and eight assists. His calm presence and smart decision-making were pivotal in steering the Cavs to victory.
Allen Sets the Tone
Jarrett Allen was a force from the get-go, scoring 11 points in the first quarter and finishing with 26 points and 14 rebounds. His energy and activity were key, even when he wasn't scoring, as he set screens and created extra possessions.
Room for Improvement
Despite the win, the Cavs struggled to secure defensive rebounds, allowing the Hornets to score 37 second-chance points. This is an area they'll need to tighten up, especially as they face tougher competition down the line.
Rookie Threat
Charlotte's Kon Knueppel was a standout, hitting seven threes and scoring 33 points. His performance kept the Hornets in the game, but they ultimately cooled off, shooting just two-for-15 from deep in the fourth quarter.
Cavs' Winning Ways Continue
Cleveland closed out the game by winning the final quarter 28-24, showing growth and maturity. They've now won seven straight and 12 of their last 13 games, going 5-0 since Harden joined the squad.
Looking Ahead
Next, the Cavs face a rematch with the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday. Despite OKC missing key players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Ajay Mitchell, the Cavs know they can't take anything for granted. Both teams are on a roll, setting the stage for an exciting matchup.