Evan Mobley delivered a career-best performance with 41 points, while Donovan Mitchell chipped in a well-rounded 18 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a commanding 116-102 win over the depleted Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night.
The victory not only extended Cleveland’s red-hot start to the season but also underscored the team’s dominance as they continue to carve through their schedule.
Mobley came out firing, scoring 23 points in the first quarter alone as Cleveland surged to a 40-18 lead. His early offensive explosion set the tone for a Cavaliers team that has now won 21 of its first 24 games—a feat not seen in Cleveland since the 2008-09 season. When Charlotte attempted to rally late in the game, Mobley was there to extinguish the comeback with a decisive seven-point burst in a 12-2 run that secured the win.
Brandon Miller tried to keep Charlotte competitive, leading the Hornets with 24 points. Despite his efforts, the Hornets’ injury woes proved too much to overcome. Charlotte, already riding an eight-game losing streak, was missing key contributors, including LaMelo Ball (calf strain), Miles Bridges (knee bruise), and Nick Richards (ankle sprain).
The Cavaliers showcased their resilience and depth in their fourth straight win following a brief two-game skid in late November. Their offensive efficiency has been staggering, as they’ve now scored in triple figures in every game this season. Currently leading the NBA with an average of 121.8 points per game, Cleveland’s offensive engine is running at full throttle.
For Charlotte, the depleted roster highlighted the challenges of staying competitive. The Hornets dressed just nine players from their active roster. Adding to their struggles, reserve forward Grant Williams revealed before the game that he would undergo reconstructive knee surgery, sidelining him for eight to 12 months.
One of the game’s key moments came midway through the fourth quarter when the Hornets narrowed the deficit to 104-100 with just over five minutes left. However, Cleveland responded with an emphatic 12-2 run, punctuated by scores on five consecutive possessions, to rebuild a commanding 116-102 lead with 1:46 remaining.
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Mobley’s dominance on both ends of the floor underscored his growing importance to Cleveland’s success. Whether it was finishing in the paint, pulling up for mid-range jumpers, or locking down defensively, the young forward looked every bit the cornerstone the Cavaliers envisioned when they drafted him.
Donovan Mitchell also played a pivotal role, stuffing the stat sheet with his scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. Mitchell’s ability to draw defenders and set up his teammates has been a key factor in Cleveland’s offensive success. His leadership, combined with Mobley’s emergence, makes the Cavaliers a team to watch as the season progresses.
Meanwhile, the Hornets continue to search for answers amid a difficult stretch. With eight straight losses and injuries piling up, their depth is being tested. Miller’s solid performance was a bright spot, but Charlotte will need more from its supporting cast to turn the tide.
As the Cavaliers gear up for a road game against the Miami Heat on Sunday, they’ll aim to extend their winning streak and solidify their place among the league’s elite. For the Hornets, a visit to Indiana represents another chance to regroup and attempt to snap their losing streak.
Cleveland’s mix of explosive offense and defensive tenacity, led by Mobley and Mitchell, is proving to be a lethal combination. If they continue on this trajectory, the Cavaliers could be poised for a deep playoff run in what’s shaping up to be a memorable season.
