The Cleveland Cavaliers made history on Sunday night by defeating the Charlotte Hornets 128-114, marking their 15th consecutive win to start the season. They now share this remarkable achievement with the 1993-94 Houston Rockets and the 1948-49 Washington Capitols, making them one of only three teams to start the season with a perfect record of 15-0. The 2015-16 Golden State Warriors hold the record for the most consecutive wins at the beginning of a season.
Despite the absence of star player Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland and Ty Jerome stepped up, delivering clutch performances in the fourth quarter to secure the victory. However, concerns about the team’s defensive performance linger, with Coach Kenny Atkinson expressing dissatisfaction. Cleveland has struggled defensively, registering a 112 defensive rating over the past week, ranking 15th in the league. Opponents have capitalized, particularly from three-point range, hitting nearly 39% of their attempts during this period.
Atkinson noted the importance of contesting shots, especially threes, emphasizing that improved effort is needed to avoid costly losses in future games. The Cavaliers’ defense allowed Charlotte to find their rhythm, which could have been detrimental given the Hornets’ propensity for three-point shooting.
On the offensive side, the Cavaliers showcased their prowess, scoring 72 points in the first half—a feat they have accomplished more frequently this season compared to the last. Although they could not maintain that offensive pace in the second half, they managed to produce enough scoring to secure the win.
Cleveland displayed impressive shooting, converting 43.3% of their three-point attempts, with Jerome and Georges Niang each contributing effectively. The team’s fluid ball movement and attacking strategy at the rim proved successful, particularly against a depleted Hornets front line. Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley dominated in the paint, with Allen contributing 21 points and 15 rebounds, while Mobley added 23 points and 11 boards.
Darius Garland led the team in orchestration, tallying 25 points and 12 assists, while Ty Jerome’s playmaking ability added another layer to the Cavaliers’ multifaceted offense. However, the team faced two injury setbacks with Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade exiting the game with ankle sprains, which could pose challenges as they prepare to face the Boston Celtics.
As the Cavaliers celebrate their historic start, they will need to tighten their defense and ensure that their injured players recover in time to continue their winning streak against strong opponents. The resilience shown in adapting their game without key players demonstrates their potential as a formidable contender this season. This early success suggests a promising future for the team, as they continue to build chemistry and refine their strategies.