The Cleveland Cavaliers continued their historic start to the NBA season with a commanding 128-114 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday night. The Cavs now sit at 15-0, joining elite company as only the fourth team in league history to begin a season with such a streak.
A Dominant Performance
Despite resting star guard Donovan Mitchell, the Cavaliers didn’t miss a beat. Darius Garland led the charge with 25 points, while Ty Jerome stepped up in Mitchell’s absence, tying his career-high with 24 points.
Evan Mobley contributed 23 points and 11 rebounds, and Jarrett Allen posted 21 points and 15 boards. This marked the first time since 1972 that Cleveland has recorded four 20-point scorers in consecutive games—a rare feat in franchise history.
“We’ve got so much depth on this team,” said first-year coach Kenny Atkinson, who remains undefeated at the helm. “It’s a privilege to coach these guys.”
Energizing Cleveland
The Cavs’ success has electrified Cleveland, especially as the Browns’ football season struggles. “The energy around this team is incredible,” said Jarrett Allen. “The city is with us every step of the way, and we feel it every game.”
Overcoming Adversity
Cleveland’s depth was on display as they dealt with setbacks during the game. Both Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade exited in the second half with ankle injuries, with Wade later seen in a walking boot. However, the team’s bench continued to deliver under pressure, maintaining momentum in Mitchell’s absence.
A Pivotal Test Ahead
The Cavaliers now prepare for a high-stakes matchup against the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics at TD Garden. The game is not just another win streak continuation but also a rare occurrence in NBA history. Only three prior times has a team with a 15+ game win streak faced the reigning champions, most recently in 1996.
For Cleveland, it’s also a rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference semifinals, where the Celtics eliminated them in five games. Allen, who missed that series due to a broken rib, is eager for the challenge. “This is a chance to test ourselves against the best and see how far we’ve come,” he said.
Coach Atkinson echoed the sentiment: “It’s the perfect time for this game. We’re 15-0, and now we get to measure ourselves against a team of their caliber. It’s great for the league, our fans, and our franchise.”
As the Cavs prepare to put their perfect record on the line in Boston, one thing is clear: this team is not just chasing wins—they’re chasing greatness.
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