The Cavaliers finally looked like themselves again - or at least like the version that once made Cleveland fans believe this team could be more than just a middle-of-the-pack squad. After a stretch of sluggish, disjointed offense, the Cavs found their rhythm Monday night in a much-needed 139-132 win over the Hornets at home. It wasn’t pretty, but it was potent - and for a team searching for identity, that’s a start.
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t a defensive clinic. The Hornets were getting clean looks all night, and Cleveland’s rotations were often a step slow.
Charlotte’s offense, which has struggled to find consistency this season, looked far too comfortable. But the Cavs had something they haven’t had in a while - an answer.
And that answer came from beyond the arc.
Cleveland knocked down 24 threes. That’s not just a hot shooting night - that’s a game-changer.
When the long ball is falling like that, it covers up a lot of sins. Missed assignments, blown switches, late closeouts - they all sting a little less when you’re trading twos for threes.
Darius Garland looked like the version of himself that earned All-Star buzz not long ago. He was slicing through the lane, creating separation with his handle, and setting the tone with 27 points and 10 assists. His pace and poise helped unlock the offense, and for the first time in a while, it felt like Garland was in full control.
Right alongside him was Donovan Mitchell, who dropped 30 points in a performance that was assertive without being overbearing. That balance between Garland and Mitchell has been elusive at times - too often, it’s felt like one has to shrink for the other to shine.
Not on Monday. They shared the stage, and the offense flowed because of it.
De’Andre Hunter, who’s been searching for his rhythm, finally found it. He poured in 27 points in what felt like a much-needed bounce-back. He played with confidence, attacked mismatches, and looked like the two-way threat Cleveland hoped they were getting.
Sam Merrill also made his return after a month-long absence. The shot didn’t quite fall, but the energy was there. He brought movement, spacing, and a willingness to make the extra pass - the kind of intangibles that don’t always show up in the box score but help keep the offense humming.
No, it wasn’t a perfect performance. The defense still has work to do, and the Hornets - a team Cleveland should handle more cleanly - hung around far too long.
But this game wasn’t about perfection. It was about rhythm, confidence, and rediscovering a version of themselves that had gone missing.
At 16-14, the Cavs are still trying to find their footing in a competitive Eastern Conference. But if Monday night was any indication, they’re starting to remember how to play to their strengths. They won’t have much time to dwell on it, either - the Pelicans come to town Tuesday night for the second half of a back-to-back.
If Cleveland can bottle up even a piece of what worked against Charlotte - the ball movement, the pace, the shot-making - they might just be turning a corner.