The Cleveland Cavaliers stretched their winning streak to 13 games with a thrilling 118-117 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night. Despite struggling for most of the game, the Eastern Conference leaders showed resilience and fought back from a nine-point deficit in the final minutes to maintain their dominant run in the NBA.
Cavaliers Overcome Late Scare to Secure Victory
Cleveland entered the matchup as heavy favorites, but the Hornets had other plans. Miles Bridges delivered an extraordinary performance, scoring 46 points to keep Charlotte in the game. The Hornets led by as much as nine points with just over five minutes left, but the Cavaliers refused to back down.
A crucial three-pointer from Evan Mobley tied the game at 106-106, shifting the momentum back in Cleveland’s favor. From there, Donovan Mitchell took control, knocking down six consecutive free throws in the final moments to secure the win.
Mitchell finished with 24 points, while Darius Garland added 20 points, and Mobley contributed 19. With this victory, Cleveland improved to 53-10, maintaining their position at the top of the Eastern Conference with an eight-game lead.
Bridges’ Heroics Not Enough for Charlotte
The Hornets, struggling at the bottom of the standings with a 14-48 record, nearly pulled off an upset thanks to Bridges’ outstanding night. He was the clear leader for Charlotte, as only two other Hornets players managed to reach double figures in scoring.
HUGE Evan Mobley 3 to tie the game at 106
Cavs seeking their 13th straight win
Under 2 minutes to play on NBA League Pass! pic.twitter.com/fHIxRcpvNA
— NBA (@NBA) March 8, 2025
Despite the loss, Bridges’ performance showcased his offensive talent and ability to step up against a top-tier opponent. However, the lack of support from his teammates proved costly, as the Cavaliers capitalized on their experience and depth to turn the game around in the final minutes.
Cavaliers Show Playoff Mentality
After the game, Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson praised his team’s ability to win under pressure.
“Thirteen in a row – I think yes, we’re in a good groove,” Atkinson said. “We’ve had to scratch and claw these last couple of games, which is great for playoff prep—playing in some tight games and having to execute at the end.”
The @cavs 3 All-Stars get it done to extend Cleveland’s winning streak to 13
Spida: 24 PTS
Garland: 20 PTS
Mobley: 19 PTS, 10 REB, 4 AST, 2 BLK pic.twitter.com/hUCYfzhm4f— NBA (@NBA) March 8, 2025
The Cavaliers’ ability to close out games under pressure is a testament to their strong mentality as they prepare for the playoffs. Their depth and ability to rely on multiple players for scoring and defensive stops have been crucial in their dominant run.
Western Conference Recap: Thunder, Grizzlies, and Timberwolves Secure Key Wins
Thunder Cruise Past Blazers Despite Resting Key Players
The Oklahoma City Thunder continued their impressive run in the Western Conference with a comfortable 107-89 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.
With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and Cason Wallace all resting, head coach Mark Daigneault gave other players a chance to shine. Aaron Wiggins stepped up, leading the team with 30 points, while Jaylin Williams recorded his first career triple-double with 11 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists.
With this win, Oklahoma City improved to 52-11, extending their lead at the top of the Western Conference standings by 11 games over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Grizzlies Snap Losing Streak With Win Over Mavericks
The Memphis Grizzlies ended their four-game losing streak with a 122-111 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.
With Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis sidelined for Dallas, Ja Morant took over for Memphis, scoring 31 points and leading his team to a much-needed win. Desmond Bane was equally instrumental, adding 27 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists.
JA MORANT PROPELS MEMPHIS ON THE ROAD!
31 PTS
8 AST
4 REB pic.twitter.com/dmVTUhfYLJ— NBA (@NBA) March 8, 2025
The win moved the Grizzlies to 39-24, keeping them in the fourth spot in the Western Conference, while the Mavericks fell to 32-32 as they continue to struggle with injuries and inconsistency.
Timberwolves Edge Heat in Tight Contest
In Miami, the Minnesota Timberwolves secured a narrow 106-104 victory over the Heat in a well-balanced team effort.
Seven Timberwolves players finished in double figures, showcasing their depth and ability to share the scoring load. Their defensive efforts in the closing moments helped them hold off the Heat and secure another crucial win in their push for a strong playoff position.
Key Takeaways From the Night’s Action
- Cavaliers Extend Streak: Cleveland secures its 13th straight win, maintaining its position at the top of the East.
- Miles Bridges’ Career Night: Despite 46 points, Charlotte falls short in a heartbreaking loss.
- Thunder Dominate Without Stars: Oklahoma City’s depth shines as they cruise past Portland without key players.
- Ja Morant Leads Grizzlies: A 31-point performance helps Memphis snap a four-game skid.
- Timberwolves Show Depth: Seven players score in double figures as Minnesota edges past Miami.
As the regular season continues, teams are sharpening their focus for the playoffs, making every win and loss even more significant. With key injuries, surprise performances, and intense battles across both conferences, the race for the postseason is heating up.
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