CLEVELAND — Darius Garland delivered an impressive performance with 25 points, while Jarrett Allen contributed a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 115-105 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday night. This win marks the Cavaliers’ 10th consecutive victory, solidifying their status as the team with the best record in the NBA.
Donovan Mitchell was crucial in the second half, scoring 17 of his total 19 points during that period, while Evan Mobley also played a key role with 17 points. Cleveland has now claimed 18 wins out of 19 home games, boasting an outstanding overall record of 31-4. Remarkably, every game in their current ten-game winning streak has resulted in a victory by at least ten points, setting a new franchise benchmark.
LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller led the Hornets with 24 points each, and Nick Smith Jr. added 18 points off the bench. Unfortunately for Charlotte, this loss marks their 10th defeat in a row, leaving them with a dismal record of 1-18 since November 23.
Since losing to Miami on December 8, the Cavaliers have maintained an unbeaten streak. Their only home loss occurred on November 27 against Atlanta.
In terms of player updates, for the Hornets, both Ball and Miller returned to the court after missing their last three games due to left ankle injuries. Their return was notable as they combined for an impressive 28 points in the first half against Cleveland. Ball is currently averaging 30.1 points, while Miller is at 21.4 points per game.
On the Cavaliers’ side, small forward Isaac Okoro, out since December 20 with a right shoulder sprain, has been cleared to return to practice without any restrictions. He has recently participated in limited-contact sessions alongside assistant coaches, indicating a step towards his return to gameplay.
A pivotal moment in the game came when Cleveland opened the second quarter with a formidable 24-6 run, primarily driven by the force of their tall players. During this surge, Mobley netted seven points while Allen added five points and took down four rebounds, helping to establish a commanding lead of 53-29.
Notably, only four teams in NBA history have achieved a better record than the Cavaliers’ current standing after 35 games. These teams include the Golden State Warriors (33-2) in 2015-16, the Philadelphia 76ers (32-3) during the 1966-67 season, the Los Angeles Lakers (32-3) in 1971-72, and the Chicago Bulls (32-3) in 1995-96.
Looking ahead, the Hornets will return home to face the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, while the Cavaliers will be hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder, currently the leaders in the Western Conference, on Wednesday.
