The Cleveland Cavaliers continued their extraordinary start to the 2024-25 NBA season, clinching a 128-114 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday. Without their star scorer Donovan Mitchell, the Cavaliers showcased their depth, extending their record-breaking run to 15-0 under new head coach Kenny Atkinson. This remarkable achievement ties the second-best start in NBA history, alongside the 1948-49 Washington Capitols and the 1993-94 Houston Rockets, trailing only the 24-0 start by the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors.
Cavaliers Shine Despite Mitchell’s Absence
Donovan Mitchell, the team’s leading scorer, averaging 24.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, was rested for this game. However, the Cavaliers demonstrated their team-first ethos, with a balanced attack and multiple players stepping up to secure the win.
Darius Garland led the team with a stellar double-double, tallying 25 points and 12 assists. Ty Jerome added 24 points, Evan Mobley contributed 23 points and 11 rebounds, and Jarrett Allen dominated the paint with 21 points and 15 rebounds.
Garland reflected on the team’s resilience: “We’ve always got some fight in us no matter what. Everybody is ready to play. It doesn’t matter, one through 15. Everybody contributed. Everybody had a huge part in this win. That’s just us, just as a team effort.”
Historic Milestone for Cleveland
The Cavaliers’ 15-0 start is a historic milestone for the franchise, surpassing previous records set during the LeBron James era. This achievement cements their place as one of the most cohesive and formidable teams in franchise history.
The victory also positions Cleveland as a serious contender to challenge the all-time record of 24 consecutive wins set by the 2015-16 Warriors. With a mix of youthful energy, experienced leadership, and strategic coaching, the Cavaliers are proving to be one of the league’s most exciting teams.
15 straight wins!
The Cavaliers are the 4th team in NBA history to start a season 15-0 pic.twitter.com/BXxPpNFBW2
— NBA (@NBA) November 18, 2024
Hornets Struggle Despite LaMelo Ball’s Brilliance
Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball delivered an outstanding performance, scoring a game-high 31 points and dishing out 12 assists. Despite his efforts, the Hornets were unable to contain Cleveland’s relentless offense. This loss adds to the Hornets’ challenges as they continue to search for consistency in a competitive Eastern Conference.
Sunday’s NBA Highlights
Randle’s Buzzer-Beater Stuns Suns
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle capped a thrilling game with a 25-foot buzzer-beating three-pointer to secure a 120-117 win over the Phoenix Suns. Randle finished with 35 points, while Anthony Edwards added 24. Devin Booker led the Suns with 44 points in a valiant effort.
Cunningham’s Triple-Double Powers Pistons
Cade Cunningham recorded a triple-double, amassing 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists to lead the Detroit Pistons to a commanding 124-104 win over the Washington Wizards. Jaden Ivey chipped in with 28 points, and Malik Beasley added 26, highlighting Detroit’s promising young core.
Mavericks Edge Thunder in Nail-Biter
P.J. Washington shone for the Dallas Mavericks with 27 points and 17 rebounds in a narrow 121-119 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 36 points but couldn’t secure the win as OKC’s last-second attempt missed the mark.
Grizzlies Outlast Nuggets Without Jokic
The Memphis Grizzlies capitalized on the absence of Denver Nuggets MVP Nikola Jokic, earning a 105-90 win. Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 20 points, while Julian Strawther’s 19 points off the bench provided a silver lining for Denver.
Pacers Hold Off Heat in Indiana
Myles Turner posted a season-high 34 points as the Indiana Pacers defeated the Miami Heat 119-110. Tyler Herro’s 28-point effort for Miami wasn’t enough to counter Turner’s dominance in the paint.
Trail Blazers Seal Dramatic Win Over Hawks
Portland’s Shaedon Sharpe delivered a clutch defensive play, stealing the ball from Trae Young and sinking two free throws to secure a 114-109 victory. Sharpe finished with a game-high 32 points, while Young led Atlanta with 29.
Sengun Stars in Rockets’ Blowout Victory
Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun recorded a triple-double with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, leading his team to a 143-107 rout of the Chicago Bulls. Fred VanVleet contributed 28 points as the Rockets dominated from start to finish.
What’s Next for the Cavaliers?
As the Cavaliers continue their historic streak, tougher challenges await. Maintaining their winning momentum will require continued contributions from their bench and strategic rotations from Atkinson, especially as Donovan Mitchell manages his workload.
The team’s chemistry, depth, and defensive solidity have been key to their success so far. With every win, the Cavaliers edge closer to the Warriors’ record-setting start, but their focus remains on sustaining this level of performance throughout the season.
A Team to Watch
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ perfect start to the season underscores their transformation under Kenny Atkinson. By showcasing a balanced offense, defensive intensity, and a team-oriented mentality, they’ve emerged as one of the league’s top contenders.
With a 15-0 record and counting, the Cavaliers have cemented themselves as a team to watch this season. Whether they can chase down the Warriors’ 24-0 start remains to be seen, but their resilience and unity suggest they’re up for the challenge.
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