LaMelo Ball’s Hot Start Fizzles as Hornets’ Late Rally Falls Short Against Cavaliers
The Charlotte Hornets faced a challenging matchup on Monday night, squaring off against the Cleveland Cavaliers, last season’s Eastern Conference leaders. This game came on the heels of a disappointing loss to the Detroit Pistons, who are currently at the top of the Eastern Conference standings. With Cleveland also looking to bounce back from three consecutive losses, including a defeat to the Hornets just a week prior, the stakes were set for an intense showdown.
Fast-Paced First Quarter
The game kicked off with both teams trading baskets in an exhilarating first quarter. LaMelo Ball, who has recently found his shooting rhythm, lit up the scoreboard early. He tallied nine points in the opening period, thanks to a strong three-point shooting performance that saw him connect on three of four attempts. However, the Cavaliers weren’t backing down; they matched the Hornets’ energy with their own offensive firepower.
Cleveland Gains Momentum
As the game progressed into the second quarter, Cleveland’s all-star duo, Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, began to assert their dominance. The two combined for 19 points during the period, contributing significantly to the Cavaliers’ total of 37 points in the quarter. A jaw-dropping logo three-pointer from Mitchell at the buzzer extended Cleveland’s lead to seven points at halftime, shifting the momentum firmly in their favor.
A Game of Runs
The Cavaliers’ third-quarter surge was highlighted by a 15-3 run that further stretched their lead to nine points as the teams headed into the final quarter. While the Hornets struggled to keep pace, it was Cleveland’s role players who stepped up in the fourth. Dean Wade and DeAndre Hunter combined for 19 points during this critical stretch, outscoring the Hornets’ entire fourth-quarter output after the starters had been pulled.
Despite being down by as much as 19 points, the Hornets’ bench showcased resilience. A late 9-3 run drew the score closer, prompting Cavaliers’ head coach Kenny Atkinson to reinstate his starters to quell the Hornets’ surge. Liam McNeeley, in a brief six-minute stint, made a notable impact, scoring seven points and finishing with a +12 rating. However, this valiant effort was not enough to close the gap, and Charlotte ultimately fell to Cleveland with a final score of 139-132, marking their season record at 9-21.
Moussa Diabate’s Standout Performance
Among the Hornets’ players, Moussa Diabate emerged as a surprising bright spot during the game. Coming off the bench for Mason Plumlee, Diabate made his presence felt with 14 rebounds, including six on the offensive end, and a career-high six steals. His performance added a layer of excitement to the game, capturing the attention of fans watching on a national stage.
As the season continues, the Hornets will need to harness the spirit displayed by their bench and find a way to turn their fortunes around, starting with their next matchup.
