Cavs Extend Streak to Seven with Win Over Hornets

The Cleveland Cavaliers extended their surge toward the top of the Eastern Conference on Friday night, holding off a late charge by the Charlotte Hornets, 118-113, to push their winning streak to seven games. Behind a composed fourth-quarter takeover by Donovan Mitchell, the Cavaliers improved to 36-21, continuing a run that has seen them win 12 of their last 13 contests.

For Charlotte, the loss dropped the Hornets to 26-31, overshadowing a career night from rookie sharpshooter Kon Knueppel, who delivered a dazzling shooting display that nearly swung the game.

Mitchell Seals the Game at the Line

Late-game composure proved decisive. With just under a minute remaining and Charlotte within four points, Mitchell stepped forward. He drilled a short jumper and then knocked down four free throws in the final 40 seconds, closing out the win.

“Donovan Mitchell scored 13 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter and the streaking Cleveland Cavaliers held off the Charlotte Hornets 118-113 on Friday night for their seventh straight victory.”

Mitchell finished with 32 points, adding four assists and three rebounds. He went 12-for-13 from the free-throw line, steady hands in a game that tightened with every possession down the stretch.

Control in the Paint Defines Cleveland’s Edge

While the final minutes drew the spotlight, Cleveland built its advantage through physical dominance inside. The Cavaliers outscored the Hornets 50-28 in the paint, repeatedly finding success through Jarrett Allen, who delivered 26 points and 14 rebounds. His presence on both ends anchored Cleveland’s interior play and kept second-chance opportunities alive.

James Harden added 18 points and eight assists, helping orchestrate the offense as Cleveland established early control. The Cavaliers led 30-20 after the first quarter and stretched the margin to as many as 14 points in the second, entering halftime ahead 59-53.

The Hornets, however, refused to fold.

Knueppel’s Breakout Performance

Knueppel delivered a reminder of why he has emerged as one of the season’s most compelling rookies. He finished with 33 points and drained seven 3-pointers, lifting his season tally to 193 made threes.

“Kon Knueppel finished with 33 points on seven 3-pointers, giving him 193 made 3s for the season — the second most in NBA history by a rookie.”

Knueppel kept Charlotte afloat early with 16 first-half points, including four shots from beyond the arc. In the third quarter, he struck three more times from deep, powering a Hornets rally that briefly saw them seize the lead.

Charlotte poured in 36 points in the third quarter, flipping a six-point halftime deficit into a narrow edge and shifting momentum in the arena. The Hornets’ perimeter shooting contrasted sharply with Cleveland’s inside pressure, setting up a tense finish.

A Late Push Falls Short

With one minute remaining, Brandon Miller’s and-one layup, set up by a no-look feed from LaMelo Ball, cut Cleveland’s lead to four.

“Miller’s and-one layup off a no-look feed from Ball cut Cleveland’s lead to four with a minute remaining, but Mitchell made a short jumper and four free throws in the final 40 seconds to seal the win.”

Miller and Ball each scored 18 points, while Ryan Kalkbrenner added 12 points and 13 rebounds. But the Hornets felt the absence of key forwards Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabate, both suspended, and the injured Grant Williams. The depleted frontcourt struggled to contain Cleveland’s interior assault.

Momentum Building for Cleveland

Cleveland’s recent stretch has been defined by balance and poise — a team capable of absorbing runs without losing structure. The Cavaliers posted steady scoring across quarters — 30, 29, 31 and 28 points — a consistency that contrasted with Charlotte’s surges.

The win further strengthens Cleveland’s position as it heads to Oklahoma City for its next matchup on February 22. Charlotte, seeking to steady its campaign, travels to Washington on the same night.

For Filipino fans who routinely follow late-night NBA tip-offs or catch morning highlights, the game offered familiar drama: a rookie chasing history, a contender leaning on discipline, and a final two minutes that unfolded like a chess match played at full sprint. In Charlotte, the Cavaliers once again proved that streaks are sustained not only by talent, but by calm execution when the margins narrow.