Cavs Keep Winning Streak Alive in a Heartstopper Against the Hornets
Thirteen in a row! Can you believe it? The Cleveland Cavaliers pulled off another win Friday night, beating the Charlotte Hornets 118-117 in a game that had me on the edge of my seat. It was their third game in four nights, and honestly, they didn't look their best for much of it. But they found a way, scraping out a victory against a Hornets team that played way above expectations, thanks largely to Miles Bridges' incredible 46-point night – a career high for him.
A Rollercoaster Ride to Victory
The game was a total rollercoaster. There were moments where it felt like the Cavs were cruising, and moments where I thought, "Uh oh, this isn't going to end well." They were down by nine with just over five minutes left – talk about a nail-biter! But then, bam! Evan Mobley hits a clutch three to tie it up with two minutes to go. And then Donovan Mitchell hits some crucial free throws to put them ahead. De'Andre Hunter's putback layup at the end? Pure magic. It really highlighted the team's depth and how they can dig deep when the pressure's on.
Player Performances: A Mixed Bag, But the Team Pulled Through
Donovan Mitchell's 24 points were huge, but let's be real, his 6-of-19 shooting and those six missed free throws almost cost them the game. It felt like he was fighting it out there for a while. Darius Garland had an off night, too. But hey, that's basketball – sometimes your shots just don't fall. Evan Mobley's late-game three was a game-changer, obviously, and Jarrett Allen held down the fort defensively. De'Andre Hunter? He continues to prove himself time and time again with those clutch plays. Sam Merrill provided a much-needed spark off the bench. Others, like Max Strus and Dean Wade, just couldn't quite find their rhythm. But it's a testament to this team that even on an off night, they can pull out a win.
Thirteen Wins and Counting: What Does it Mean?
This 13-game winning streak is absolutely insane. It speaks volumes about their resilience, their depth, and their ability to win even when they're not playing their best basketball. The fact that they've scored over 110 points in every game during this streak? That's almost unheard of! ESPN Research says only the 1986 Boston Celtics matched that during their 14-game streak. This victory isn't just another win; it's a huge boost of confidence heading into the playoffs, especially because they’ve already clinched a postseason berth as Eastern Conference leaders. They've proven they can handle pressure and win close games, which is invaluable playoff experience. This sets the stage for what could be a truly exciting playoff run.
