The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 118-111, at Spectrum Center on Wednesday.
The Hornets (18-54) pulled a huge upset to defeat the Cavaliers (44-29) at home despite looking lost and sluggish in the first quarter. Cleveland jumped to a 43-33 lead in the first quarter, but the Hornets reacted just before halftime. The Hornets reduced the deficit to just one point after a 36-27 score in the second quarter, and Charlotte would complete the comeback after a 31-26 score in the third quarter. The Cavaliers fought back and tried to come from behind, but the Hornets didn’t allow them to. Charlotte closed things out by winning the fourth quarter by an 18-15 score. With the win, the Hornets moved to 10-24 at home, while the Cavaliers fell to 21-15 on the road.
Brandon Miller led the way for the Hornets with 31 points and six rebounds. Miles Bridges had 17 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals. Nick Richards had an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double. Tre Mann finished with 17 points and eight assists. Vasilije Micic ended with 11 points and 12 assists. Grant Williams had 16 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Charlotte shot 57.9 percent from the field and 39.4 percent from three-point range.
Jarrett Allen was the leading scorer for the Cavaliers with 24 points and eight rebounds. Max Strus recorded 19 points and four rebounds. Darius Garland finished with 14 points and 12 assists. Evan Mobley posted 10 points, six rebounds and six assists. Sam Merrill delivered 17 points coming off the bench. The Cavaliers shot 49.4 percent from the field and 43.2 percent from deep.
