The Cleveland Cavaliers are making history, and Sunday night was another thrilling chapter in their remarkable start to the season. Facing the Charlotte Hornets without their star Donovan Mitchell, the Cavs dug deep, relied on their depth, and secured a 128-114 victory at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, pushing their unbeaten streak to a stunning 15-0. That record places them in elite company, as only four teams in NBA history have ever achieved such a start.
Depth in Action: Cavs Shine Despite Key Absences
What makes this streak even more impressive is how the Cavaliers are doing it. They’ve proven time and time again that they aren’t reliant on just one player. On Sunday, five of their expected top 11 players were out, including sharpshooters Sam Merrill and Max Strus, who are sidelined with ankle injuries, and rotational pieces like Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade, who exited the game with their own ankle sprains. The absence of Mitchell, their leading scorer and early-season MVP candidate, was a strategic choice, allowing him extra rest as the team focuses on the long-term goal: being ready for playoff basketball.
Yet, the Cavs didn’t falter. Instead, they showcased their resilience and the strength of their roster. As head coach Kenny Atkinson reflected after the game, “Absences create opportunity. It’s just a matter of whether guys will seize their moment.” And seize the moment they did.
Standout Performances Fuel the Win
The Cavaliers were led by an inspired performance from Darius Garland, who continues to show why he’s one of the NBA’s rising stars. Garland recorded his third double-double of the season, pouring in 25 points and dishing out 12 assists. Nine of those points came in a crucial fourth-quarter surge, helping the Cavs close out the game. His final basket, a dagger that pushed the Cavs' lead to 15 with less than two minutes left, was a defining moment that had the crowd roaring.
Stepping into the starting lineup for Mitchell, Ty Jerome delivered one of the best games of his career. Matching his career-high with 24 points, Jerome has become an unexpected yet vital contributor. “He’s one of our best players right now,” Atkinson said of Jerome. “It’s always nice having another ball-handler out there so D.G. doesn’t get worn out.”
Evan Mobley, returning after missing one game due to illness, added his own stamp with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Meanwhile, center Jarrett Allen was a force in the paint, tallying 21 points and 15 rebounds, marking his 10th double-double this season. Georges Niang chipped in 13 points off the bench in a season-high 26 minutes, further proving the depth and versatility of this roster.
A Game of Runs: The Cavs’ Resilience Shines
The game wasn’t without its challenges. The Cavs jumped out to a commanding double-digit lead in the first quarter, pushing the advantage to a game-high 16 points in the second. But the Hornets came out of halftime with a vengeance, scoring 20 points in the first four minutes of the third quarter. That run cut Cleveland’s lead to just three points, and the momentum seemed to shift.
However, Cleveland responded like a team on a mission. They leaned on their defense, particularly a strategic switch to a 2-3 zone—a tactic Atkinson has deployed effectively in recent games. “The zone saved us,” Atkinson admitted. “We couldn’t stop them man-to-man. I’d say we played zone 85% of the fourth quarter. If we stayed in our same coverage, I don’t know if we win that game.”
The adjustment worked wonders. The Cavs held the Hornets to just 15 points in the final quarter, opening with an 8-2 run that included a clutch 3-pointer from Niang, electrifying the home crowd. By the time Atkinson emptied the bench, the game was firmly in hand, and fans rose to their feet in a well-deserved standing ovation.
The Bigger Picture: Building for the Long Haul
This historic start isn’t just about winning games in November. The Cavaliers have their eyes firmly set on the postseason. After a grueling playoff run last year that left Mitchell hobbled, the team is taking no chances this season. Sunday’s game marked their NBA-leading 15th game in 26 days, a schedule that hasn’t allowed for more than one day of rest between contests. With an Eastern Conference semifinal rematch against the Boston Celtics looming on Tuesday, the Cavs prioritized Mitchell’s health over the short-term result.
“It’s not about one night,” Atkinson explained. “It’s about making sure Donovan and the team are in the best position to succeed when it matters most—five months from now.”
A Collective Effort Driving Success
What sets this team apart is their unity and balance. This isn’t a one-man show. It’s a collective effort that embodies depth, selflessness, and resilience. From Garland’s leadership to Jerome’s emergence, Mobley’s versatility, Allen’s dominance, and Niang’s timely contributions, everyone is stepping up. As Jerome put it, “We’re 18 deep. It’s something we pride ourselves on.”
Atkinson’s coaching has also been a key factor. His ability to adapt, make in-game adjustments, and trust his players has been instrumental in the Cavs’ success. “Kenny keeps making all the right moves,” said Garland. “It’s a testament to our coaching staff and how prepared we are for every situation.”
What’s Next?
The road ahead doesn’t get any easier for the Cavs. On Tuesday night, they’ll face the Boston Celtics in a highly anticipated national TV matchup, with tipoff set for 7 p.m. on TNT. It’s another chance to test their mettle against one of the league’s best teams and prove that this historic start is no fluke.
For now, the Cavaliers can savor their 15-0 record and the buzz they’ve created around the league. This team isn’t just winning—they’re doing it with style, grit, and a level of camaraderie that’s rare in professional sports. Whether it’s the dynamic play of Garland, the emergence of Jerome, or the unwavering support of the Cleveland faithful, one thing is clear: these Cavs are special, and their journey is just beginning.
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