The Cleveland Cavaliers have continued their perfect start to the season, moving to 15-0 with a 128-114 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday night.
Behind stellar performances from Darius Garland and Ty Jerome, the Cavs have etched their name into history as the fourth team in NBA history to begin a season with 15 consecutive wins, joining elite company like the 2016 Golden State Warriors, 1994 Houston Rockets, and 1949 Washington Capitols. While the Warriors hold the league record with 24 consecutive wins to start a season, the Cavaliers are making their own mark as a force to be reckoned with.
Garland led the charge for Cleveland with 25 points, while Jerome, filling in for the resting Donovan Mitchell, tied his career-high with 24 points. This was a major lift for the Cavaliers, who showed that they can win even when one of their superstars is out. Jerome, in particular, was impressive, also contributing eight assists, a personal best. Cleveland’s ability to stay unbeaten, even without Mitchell, is a testament to the depth and versatility that coach Kenny Atkinson has cultivated in his first year with the team.
Evan Mobley was a force as well, adding 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Jarrett Allen contributed with a double-double of 21 points and 15 rebounds. The Cavaliers were dominant in all aspects of the game, shooting a blistering 67% from the field in the first half, including 26 of 39 shots, which allowed them to build a lead that the Hornets would struggle to overcome. Mobley and Allen controlled the paint, while Garland’s leadership and shooting ability kept the offense flowing smoothly.
Advertisement
Latest Press Conference
We’re on Social Media
Despite missing Mitchell, who was coming off a season-high 37-point performance, Cleveland barely missed a beat. Mitchell’s rest was part of the Cavaliers’ broader strategy to maintain long-term health and ensure that key players are ready for the more crucial games ahead. Atkinson emphasized that, although the team was focused on maintaining their winning streak, the decision to rest Mitchell was in line with their long-term goals.
On the other side, the Charlotte Hornets showed some fight, especially in the second half, but ultimately lacked the necessary stops down the stretch. LaMelo Ball led the way for Charlotte, recording a double-double with 31 points and 12 assists, while Miles Bridges chipped in 19 points. However, the Hornets struggled to make up ground after the Cavaliers pulled ahead in the second half, unable to contain Cleveland’s offensive firepower.
One of the key moments of the game came with 2:45 left in the fourth quarter. As Charlotte tried to stay in the game, Garland found Jerome in the corner for a three-pointer — Jerome’s third of the game — that gave him his 12th assist and helped put the game out of reach for the Hornets. That play encapsulated Cleveland’s offensive fluidity, with Garland facilitating and Jerome knocking down key shots when needed.
Defensively, the Cavaliers also managed to limit Charlotte’s chances, particularly in the second half. Despite Ball’s scoring outburst, Cleveland’s defense tightened when it mattered most, allowing them to maintain their lead. The Cavaliers showed a balanced effort on both ends of the floor, combining high-efficiency shooting with tough defense, which has been a hallmark of their early-season success.
Cleveland’s shooting efficiency was another impressive aspect of the win. While Jerome was the beneficiary of Garland’s playmaking, the team as a whole shot incredibly well, especially from inside. The Cavaliers were able to break down Charlotte’s defense and finish efficiently at the rim, contributing to their dominant first-half performance.
As the Cavaliers continue their historic run, they now turn their attention to their upcoming matchup against the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics on Tuesday. With Mitchell expected to return to the lineup, Cleveland will look to continue their unbeaten streak and prove that they can compete with the best teams in the league. For the Hornets, the road ahead will not get any easier, with a visit to Brooklyn on Tuesday in an NBA Cup game where they will look to rebound from this loss.
Takeaways:
- Cavaliers’ Depth: Even without Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland’s depth was evident as Garland and Jerome stepped up.
- Hornets’ Offensive Struggles: While Ball and Bridges performed well, Charlotte couldn’t stop Cleveland down the stretch.
- Cleveland’s Shooting Efficiency: The Cavaliers’ blistering first-half shooting (67%) set the tone for the rest of the game.
- Key Play: Jerome’s three-pointer with 2:45 remaining helped seal the win for the Cavs.
Key Stats:
- Darius Garland: 25 points, 6 assists
- Ty Jerome: 24 points, 8 assists
- Evan Mobley: 23 points, 11 rebounds
- Jarrett Allen: 21 points, 15 rebounds
- LaMelo Ball: 31 points, 12 assists
- Cleveland First-Half Shooting: 26 of 39 (67%)
With Mitchell’s return on the horizon, the Cavaliers look to build on their incredible momentum as they prepare for a tough test against Boston.
