In a thrilling matchup on Sunday night, the Cleveland Cavaliers continued their unbeaten streak with a 128-114 win over the Charlotte Hornets. Darius Garland led the charge for the Cavaliers with an impressive 25-point performance, while Ty Jerome stepped up in the absence of Donovan Mitchell, matching his career-high with 24 points.
The Cavaliers now join an elite group of teams that have started 15-0 in NBA history, including the Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, and Washington Capitols. The Warriors hold the league record for the best start, winning their first 24 games during the 2016 season.
Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen also made significant contributions to Cleveland's victory, with Mobley recording 23 points and 11 rebounds, and Allen adding 21 points and 15 rebounds. The Cavaliers are set to face the defending champion Boston Celtics in their next game on Tuesday.
Despite their desire to maintain their winning streak, the Cavaliers prioritized giving Donovan Mitchell some rest, recognizing the importance of managing player workload in a long and demanding season. Head coach Kenny Atkinson, who remains undefeated with Cleveland, emphasized the team's commitment to their strategic plan.
On the Hornets' side, LaMelo Ball showcased his skills with 31 points and 12 assists, while Miles Bridges contributed 19 points. However, Charlotte struggled to get crucial stops down the stretch, allowing the Cavaliers to secure the win.
Noteworthy moments in the game included a pivotal 3-pointer by Ty Jerome, assisted by Darius Garland, and Cleveland's impressive first-half shooting performance, where they shot 67% from the field. Jerome also stood out with eight assists, tying his career-best in that category.
Looking ahead, the Hornets will face the Brooklyn Nets in an NBA Cup game, while the Cavaliers are scheduled to play the Celtics in their next matchup.
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