The Cleveland Cavaliers secured their seventh consecutive victory by edging out the Charlotte Hornets 118-113, showcasing a strong performance late in a back-to-back game. Jarrett Allen played a pivotal role in the win, contributing 26 points on 11-of-15 shooting and grabbing 14 rebounds, reinforcing the necessity of his involvement in the offense.
Despite previous skepticism regarding the correlation between Allen’s shot attempts and the Cavaliers’ win rate, his growing impact on the game cannot be overlooked. Allen’s aggressiveness at the rim not only enhances his scoring but also opens lanes for his teammates, particularly with the addition of James Harden, who is renowned for his pick-and-roll finesse.
The Cavaliers have benefited from Allen’s rim pressure, which allows for a more dynamic offense. The involvement from Harden has amplified this effect, as defenses are forced to adjust how they guard both players. When Allen is effective, it significantly disrupts defensive schemes, making it difficult for opponents to commit resources to guarding Harden, which can easily lead to open shots.
Cleveland’s defensive strategies remain focused on protecting the rim, which has been successful against most teams, including Charlotte, who struggled to convert at the basket. However, the Cavaliers did face challenges defending beyond the arc. The Hornets capitalized on their three-point opportunities, particularly in the third quarter, but ultimately faltered in the fourth, converting only 35.7% of their three-point attempts.
Another aspect of the game highlighted was the Cavaliers’ rebounding struggles, particularly against Charlotte’s offensive boards. The Hornets accumulated 23 offensive rebounds, which led to 37 second-chance points, an area of concern moving forward, especially with playoff contenders like the Boston Celtics, who excel in both three-point shooting and offensive rebounding.
On a more positive note, the emerging chemistry between Harden and teammate Sam Merrill has been a bright spot. Merrill found success with four shots made, three of which were assisted by Harden. The duo’s understanding of spacing and movement has created opportunities, showcasing how Harden can elevate his teammates’ play.
Defensively, Keon Ellis has proven to be an exciting addition. His energy and agility on the court have yielded significant results, including consistently notching steals and blocks. Under coach Kenny Atkinson, the Cavaliers have recorded an impressive defensive rating with Ellis on the floor, further highlighting his unique contributions.
As the Cavaliers continue to build momentum, the blend of effective scoring from stars like Allen and Harden with the energy and defensive prowess of Ellis gives them a promising outlook for the remainder of the season. With continued effort on defensive rebounding and perimeter coverage, the team is well-positioned to tackle the challenges ahead.