Cleveland Cavaliers Notch a Big Win Over the Charlotte Hornets

It’s been a rough couple of weeks in Cleveland, but on Monday night at Rocket Arena, the Cleveland Cavaliers finally looked like themselves again. It wasn’t perfect, but man, did it feel good to watch the ball actually go in the hoop.

In a 139-132 win over the Charlotte Hornets, the Cavaliers didn’t just win; they exhaled. For the first time in what feels like ages, the offense wasn’t a grind. It was fluid. It was fast. It was the brand of basketball that made this team so dangerous last season. The ball was popping, guys were cutting with purpose, and most importantly, the shots were falling.

The Backcourt Duo Finally Clicks

This team goes as far as Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland take them. Lately, that ride has been a bit bumpy due to injuries and rhythm issues. But against Charlotte, the All-Star backcourt was in pure harmony.

Garland looked like the guy we all fell in love with before the toe injury slowed him down. He was slicing into the paint, creating chaos, and dishing out 10 assists to go with his 27 points. And Mitchell? He was just doing Spida things—dropping 30 points and making it look easy.

It is rare to see both of them go off for 20+ points in the same game this season, but when they do, it is a nightmare for opposing defenses. Their chemistry was palpable. Garland’s drive-and-kick game opened up the floor, giving Mitchell the space to operate without three defenders draped all over him.

Secondary Scoring Saves the Day

But it wasn’t just the star show. The Cavaliers got a massive, much-needed boost from the supporting cast.

De’Andre Hunter, who has been struggling through a slump that would make anyone pull their hair out, finally broke through. Coming off the bench, he poured in 27 points, including four three-pointers. Maybe it was the elbow to the face he took recently that woke him up, or maybe he just decided he was done missing shots. Either way, seeing him attack closeouts with confidence was a beautiful sight for sore eyes.

And let’s not forget Sam Merrill. Returning after a month-long absence, his stat line won’t blow you away, but his impact was undeniable. His movement alone bends defenses, creating lanes for everyone else.

Defense Remains a Work In Progress

Okay, let’s pump the brakes just a little bit. While scoring 139 points is fun, giving up 132 to the Hornets… well, that’s less fun.

The defense was, to put it kindly, optional at times. The Cavaliers were often a step slow on rotations, leaving Charlotte open to knock down shots and keep the game uncomfortably close. It was a classic shootout, and while the Cavaliers had the firepower to win this one, they can’t bank on outscoring everyone every night without tightening the screws on the other end.

But hey, let’s not nitpick a win too much. After losing three straight and looking lost at sea, the Cavaliers needed a lifeline. They found it on Monday night. The offense is breathing again, the stars are aligning, and for now, that’s enough to keep the panic button behind glass.