The Cleveland Cavaliers achieved a remarkable milestone by defeating the Charlotte Hornets 128-114 on Sunday evening, marking their 15th consecutive win to start the season. This impressive streak ties them with the 1993-94 Houston Rockets and the 1948-49 Washington Capitols as only the third team to accomplish such an undefeated start. They are now only behind the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors for the best start to a season.
Although the game wasn’t without its challenges, Darius Garland and Ty Jerome stepped up to maintain the Cavaliers’ winning streak, especially in the final quarter where they exchanged crucial baskets. This performance was especially needed with star player Donovan Mitchell absent from the game. However, the Cavaliers’ defense continues to raise concerns, as they have struggled defensively in recent games.
Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson expressed his frustration with the team’s defensive performance, which has seen them ranked 15th in terms of defensive rating over the past week, with opponents shooting a staggering 39% from beyond the arc. He emphasized the importance of contesting three-point shots, noting that failing to do so could lead to losing crucial games.
Despite these defensive issues, the Cavaliers’ offense showcased their strength, scoring 72 points in the first half. This marked the sixth time this season they’ve exceeded 70 points in a half, a feat they achieved only nine times last season. Cleveland’s shooting accuracy remained strong, with a 43.3% success rate from three-point range on this night. Jerome and Georges Niang led the charge, combining to hit half of their 14 three-point attempts.
The team demonstrated great offensive fluidity, consistently attacking the rim and converting a significant percentage of their attempts. Star players Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley played pivotal roles, contributing 21 and 23 points respectively, with Allen also grabbing 15 rebounds and Mobley showcasing his all-around game.
Garland’s performance was noteworthy, as he orchestrated the offense superbly, finishing with 25 points and 12 assists. Meanwhile, Jerome added 24 points and 8 assists, proving crucial in creating openings for himself and the big men.
However, the victory did come at a cost, as the Cavaliers sustained injuries to Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade, both leaving the game with left ankle sprains. Their statuses may impact the team’s upcoming matchup against the formidable Boston Celtics, and the Cavaliers will need to step up defensively if they hope to maintain their winning streak.
In summary, while the Cavaliers continue to excel offensively and make history with their unbeaten start, attention to improving their defensive strategies is essential as they prepare for tougher opponents ahead. The team’s ability to adapt and enhance their defensive performance will be crucial in maintaining their momentum through the season.