Cavs Demonstrate Resilience To Extend Win Streak To Thirteen Games Against Hornets

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The Cleveland Cavaliers secured a thrilling win against the Charlotte Hornets, with head coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledging the effort required for their victory. Donovan Mitchell led the charge with 24 points, helping the Cavs overcome a nine-point deficit in the last six minutes to clinch a 118-117 win. This marked their 13th consecutive victory, keeping them at the top of the Eastern Conference.

Cleveland's current winning streak of 13 games is notable for scoring over 110 points in each match. This achievement ties them for the second-longest streak in NBA history, just behind the Boston Celtics' 14-game run in 1986. The Cavaliers have achieved three winning streaks of 12 or more games this season, a feat last seen with the Dallas Mavericks in 2006-07.

During this game, Cleveland was ahead by four points after three quarters, but Charlotte surged ahead with a 21-8 run, leading 104-95 with just over five minutes left. The Cavaliers responded strongly, outscoring Charlotte 25-15 to secure their win. Darius Garland contributed significantly with 20 points, while Evan Mobley added 19 points to the team's tally.

De'Andre Hunter and Jarrett Allen also played crucial roles in Cleveland's victory, scoring 15 and 14 points respectively. The team made an impressive showing at the free-throw line, hitting 43 out of 51 attempts—their highest number since 2007. Mitchell was responsible for six of the eight missed free throws but managed to make nine consecutive shots before missing his final two.

"Thirteen in a row, yes, we're in a good groove," Atkinson stated. "We had to scratch and claw these last couple of games, which is great for playoff prep. When our energy is high it's really tough to beat us."

The Cavaliers' resilience and ability to perform under pressure have been key factors in their successful run this season. Their consistent performance has not only kept them at the top of their conference but also set them up as strong contenders as they prepare for upcoming playoff challenges.