Darius Garland delivered 25 points, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 115-105 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday night. The victory marked Cleveland’s 10th consecutive triumph.
Jarrett Allen contributed 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Donovan Mitchell added 17 of his 19 points in the second half. The Cavaliers improved to an NBA-best 31-4 and secured their 18th win in 19 home games this season.
Evan Mobley scored 17 points for Cleveland, which hasn’t lost since Dec. 8 in Miami.
LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller each tallied 24 points for the Hornets, who suffered their 10th consecutive loss and fell to 7-27. Nick Smith Jr. chipped in 18 points off the bench. Charlotte has won just once in its last 19 games, a slump that began on Nov. 23.
Cleveland dominated the paint, with Allen shooting 9-for-10 from the field and grabbing five offensive boards. The Cavaliers’ bench also played a key role, with Max Strus scoring nine points and Georges Niang adding 10. Ty Jerome contributed eight points and five assists.
Charlotte’s reserves showed flashes of promise, led by Smith Jr.’s efficiency, hitting four three-pointers on six attempts. Cody Martin added eight points, six rebounds, and five assists in 21 minutes.
The Cavaliers maintained their advantage by shooting 47.8% from the field, compared to the Hornets’ 41.8%. Cleveland also capitalized on Charlotte’s 15 turnovers, converting them into 19 points.
Isaac Okoro, who has been sidelined since Dec. 20 with a right shoulder sprain, was cleared for full-contact practice.