The Cavaliers did better than the 2002 Mavericks and the 1957 Celtics with a 15th straight victory to start the season. Facing the Hornets back-to-back, Kenny Atkinson's players won 128-114, and like against the Bulls, the Cavaliers annoyed their coach with their shifts in concentration.
Everything started very well with the Allen-Garland duo to strike from the start, and Isaac Okoro to give a 10-point lead after three minutes (15-5). The Hornets are already on the ropes despite the offensive rebounds of Moussa Diabaté, and the wealth of the Cleveland bench makes the difference with Caris LeVert to maintain the gap (38-28).
Against the Bulls, Cleveland took their foot off the accelerator in the second quarter, but this time, Ty Jerome and Georges Niang continued to press. Danger comes from everywhere, and the insert swells (54-39). Vasilije Micic stops the bleeding, but the Cavaliers unfold their basketball, always looking for the most effective shot. For the 6th time this season, Cleveland crossed the 70 point mark at the break (72-59).
An efficient area
Returning from the locker room, Grant Williams sounded the revolt, and the Hornets scored a 6-0 to fall back below 10 points. Without Okoro, out with a sprain, the Cavaliers defense worried and Miles Bridges forced Kenny Atkinson to take a time-out (82-76). In three minutes, the Hornets scored 17 points!
Despite passages in the zone, the Cavaliers fail to regain the upper hand, and it is Jarrett Allen, through his intimidation and his opportunism in attack, who saves the furniture (97-86). Except that the power and skill of Miles Bridges continue to pose big problems. Put into orbit by Ball, the Charlotte power forward signs a perfect end to the quarter, and the Cavaliers only lead by three points (102-99).
The Cavaliers are looking for a second wind and as in the 2nd quarter, it is the Niang-Jerome duo who take responsibility.
With 3-pointers, they respond to Bridges and Cody Martin. This time, Kenny Atkinson insists with his zone and the Hornets are without a solution. Darius Garland punctuates an 8-0 to give a 15-point lead with less than two minutes remaining. Charles Lee finally waves the white flag, and the Cavaliers validate their 15th victory in a row.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– The Warriors in the viewfinder. With this 15th victory in a row, Daris Garland's teammates equal the second best series in history to start the season, tied with the Rockets of 1993 and the Capitols of 1947. Only the Warriors of 2015 (24 victories in a row ) did better.
– Donovan Mitchell spared. No Mitchell in between, and it's a real “load management” from the medical staff, who are thinking about the next match: a trip to Boston! On the infirmary side, two concerns, the injury exits of Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade, each with a sprained left ankle.
– A first since… 1972. For the second time in a row, the Cavaliers finished with four players at 20 points or more. This hadn't happened to them since 1972!
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
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