Cavaliers Rally Late to Secure 13th Straight Victory Against Hornets
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In a thrilling display of resilience and determination, the Cleveland Cavaliers pulled off a stunning comeback to notch their 13th consecutive win, edging out the Charlotte Hornets 118-117 on Friday night. The Cavaliers, who currently lead the NBA, were spearheaded by Donovan Mitchell, who scored 24 points, showcasing his prowess and leadership on the court.
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Cleveland initially holding a narrow lead of 87-83 after three quarters. However, the Hornets, determined to break their losing streak, mounted a fierce comeback with a 21-8 run, taking a 104-95 lead with just 5:41 left on the clock. It seemed like the Cavaliers were on the ropes, but they responded with a remarkable 25-15 run to close out the game, demonstrating their championship mettle.
After the game, Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, saying, “Thirteen in a row, yes, we’re in a good groove. We had to scratch and claw these last couple of games which is great for playoff prep. When our energy is high it’s really tough to beat us.”
In addition to Mitchell’s standout performance, Darius Garland contributed 20 points, while Evan Mobley added 19 points to the Cavaliers’ tally. De’Andre Hunter was instrumental with 15 points, including a crucial putback that put the Cavaliers ahead. Jarrett Allen and Sam Merrill also made significant contributions with 14 and 12 points, respectively.
On the other side of the court, Miles Bridges was a force to be reckoned with, scoring an impressive 46 points for the Hornets. Despite his heroic efforts, his last-second shot from half court missed the mark, sealing the Hornets’ fate and extending their losing streak to nine games, dropping their record to 14-48.
The Cavaliers’ current winning streak is not just impressive; it’s historic. They have scored 110-plus points in each of their last 13 games, tying them for the second-longest streak in NBA history. This feat is only surpassed by the legendary 1986 Celtics, who managed 14 straight games of 110-plus points, according to ESPN Research.
Moreover, Cleveland’s consistency this season is remarkable, with three winning streaks of 12 or more games. This achievement hasn’t been seen since the 2006-07 Dallas Mavericks. The Cavaliers’ ability to maintain such a high level of performance is a testament to their depth and skill.
One of the key factors in Cleveland’s success has been their proficiency at the free-throw line. In this game, they were 43 of 51 on free throws, marking their most attempts in a game since 2007. Mitchell, despite missing six of his attempts, was crucial in this aspect, converting nine straight before missing his last two with just 4.8 seconds left, finishing 12 of 18 overall.
As the Cavaliers continue their march towards the playoffs, their recent performances have certainly set the stage for what promises to be an exciting postseason. With their current form, they are undoubtedly a team to watch, and their fans have every reason to be optimistic about their chances.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
