The Cleveland Cavaliers established a 24-point halftime lead and held on to defeat the Charlotte Hornets 94–87 on Wednesday night at Spectrum Center.
Cleveland (25-20) limited Charlotte to just 32 points in the opening two quarters, an especially notable feat against a club that entered the game with the NBA’s second-highest offensive rating over the previous two weeks. The Cavaliers led 56-32 at the break before being outscored 55-38 the rest of the way.
Guard Donovan Mitchell paced the visitors with 24 points and a game-high six assists but also committed eight of the Cavaliers’ 20 turnovers. Forward Evan Mobley powered the first half with 13 points and 11 rebounds and finished with 14 points and 14 boards. Center Jarrett Allen contributed 13 points and nine rebounds, while Dean Wade grabbed nine rebounds off the bench.
The Cavaliers shot 8-for-40 (20.0%) from three-point range, slightly outperforming the Hornets’ 8-for-47 (17.0%). Charlotte guard LaMelo Ball struggled throughout, hitting 1-of-15 from the field and missing all 10 of his three-point attempts. Forward Jaylon Tyson provided 14 points and seven rebounds for the Hornets.
The victory gives Cleveland eight wins in its last 12 outings and three wins during a four-game road stretch that included two victories in Philadelphia. The Cavaliers return home Friday to face the Sacramento Kings.
Source: Hoops Wire
