Cavaliers become the fourth NBA team to start 15-0 with a commanding 128-114 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday night. Darius Garland led the charge with 25 points, while Ty Jerome stepped up in Donovan Mitchell’s absence, matching his career-high with 24 points.
Joining an elite group, the Cavaliers now sit alongside the Golden State Warriors (2016), Houston Rockets (1994), and Washington Capitols (1949) as the only teams to achieve a 15-0 start. The Warriors hold the record for the best start in NBA history, winning their first 24 games on the way to a remarkable 73-9 season.
Evan Mobley contributed significantly with 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Jarrett Allen added 21 points and 15 rebounds. The Cavaliers are set to face the defending champion Boston Celtics on Tuesday, a matchup that promises to test their unbeaten streak.
For the Hornets, LaMelo Ball showcased his skills with 31 points and 12 assists, while Miles Bridges supported with 19 points. However, the team faced challenges, particularly in defense, as they struggled to contain the Cavaliers’ offensive momentum.
Earlier, Ball received a $100,000 fine from the NBA for making “an offensive and derogatory comment” during an interview following the Hornets’ previous win against Milwaukee.
Takeaways
Hornets: Despite showing resilience in the second night of a back-to-back, the Hornets failed to secure defensive stops when it mattered most.
Cavaliers: The team seamlessly adjusted to Mitchell’s absence, who had just delivered a season-high 37 points in a previous game. This winning streak has allowed Coach Atkinson to further develop his bench players, showcasing the depth of the roster.
Key moment
As the Hornets remained within striking distance, Garland made a pivotal play by assisting Jerome for a crucial 3-pointer from the corner with just 2:45 left on the clock, marking Garland’s 12th assist of the night.
Key stats
Cleveland displayed impressive shooting, hitting 67% (26 of 39) in the first half. Jerome also tied his career-best with eight assists, further contributing to the Cavaliers’ offensive success.
Up next
Charlotte will head to Brooklyn on Tuesday for an NBA Cup game, while the Cavaliers will take on the Celtics, looking to extend their undefeated run.
