Cavaliers Edge Hornets in Nerve-Wracking Showdown
In a tightly contested matchup on January 22, 2026, the Cleveland Cavaliers emerged victorious with a 94-87 win over the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. The game was a testament to the Cavaliers' resilience and strategic play, despite the Hornets' spirited effort.
Game Highlights and Key Performances
Donovan Mitchell Leads the Charge
Donovan Mitchell was the standout performer for the Cavaliers, scoring an impressive 24 points. His ability to navigate through the Hornets' defense and deliver clutch shots was pivotal in securing the win. Mitchell's performance set the tone for the team, especially in the first half where he contributed 14 points.
Evan Mobley's Double-Double
Evan Mobley added to the Cavaliers' dominance with a solid double-double, recording 14 points and 14 rebounds. His presence in the paint was a significant factor in controlling the boards and limiting the Hornets' second-chance opportunities.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
Jaylon Tyson and Jarod Allen provided crucial support, with Tyson scoring 14 points and Allen adding 13 points and nine rebounds. Their contributions helped the Cavaliers maintain a steady lead throughout the game.
Hornets' Struggles
Brandon Miller's Valiant Effort
For the Hornets, Brandon Miller put up a fight, finishing with 24 points. However, his efforts were not enough to overcome the Cavaliers' defensive pressure. Miller's performance was hampered by the team's overall struggles from the field.
Kon Knueppel's Solid Game
Kon Knueppel chipped in with 21 points and 11 rebounds, showcasing his versatility. Despite his individual success, the Hornets' lack of rhythm and consistent scoring kept them at bay.
LaMelo Ball's Disappointing Night
The Hornets' coach, Charles Lee, decided to bring LaMelo Ball off the bench in an attempt to preserve his energy on the first night of a back-to-back. This strategy backfired as Ball had one of his worst games of the season, finishing with just four points on 1-of-15 shooting, including 0-of-10 from beyond the arc.
Defensive Mastery and Turnovers
The Cavaliers' stifling defense was the difference-maker in the game. They forced the Hornets into uncharacteristic turnovers and hurried shots, capitalizing on Charlotte's lack of rhythm. The Cavaliers held the Hornets to just 32 points in the first half, a season low for the Hornets.
Cleveland's on-ball pressure repeatedly disrupted the Hornets' offensive flow, making it difficult for Charlotte to establish any significant momentum. The Cavaliers' defensive intensity was a key factor in their ability to maintain a double-digit lead for much of the game.
Third Quarter Rally Falls Short
The Hornets showed signs of life in the third quarter, with their transition game getting going. Back-to-back alley-oop passes from LaMelo Ball to Miller helped cut the Cavaliers' lead to 12 points. However, Charlotte could not sustain the rally, and the Cavaliers' defense tightened up once again.
In the final minute, the Hornets managed to cut the deficit to four points, but it was too little too late. Miller's 3-pointer and Knueppel's driving layup were the closest they got, but the Cavaliers held on to secure the victory.
Up Next for Both Teams
The Cavaliers will host the Sacramento Kings on Friday, looking to build on their recent success. Meanwhile, the Hornets will visit the Orlando Magic on Thursday, aiming to regroup after the tough loss.
This win moves the Cavaliers to 25-20 on the season, while the Hornets fall to 16-28. The Cavaliers now lead the season series 2-1 against the Hornets.
Season Standings
With this victory, the Cavaliers continue to climb the Eastern Conference standings, now just 8.5 games behind the first-place Detroit Pistons. The Hornets, on the other hand, remain in the Southeast Division basement, 8 games behind the first-place Orlando Magic.
The game was officiated by Sean Wright, J.B. DeRosa, and Mousa Dagher. Full box score and play-by-play details are available for further analysis.
