The Cleveland Cavaliers and Charlotte Hornets delivered a nail-biting matchup on March 7, 2025, that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The Cavaliers secured a narrow 118-117 victory in Charlotte, extending their winning streak to 13 games. Meanwhile, the Hornets showed flashes of brilliance despite their ongoing struggles this season. This article dives into the game summary, box score highlights, key player performances, and more to give you an in-depth look at the “Cleveland Cavaliers vs Charlotte Hornets Box score, player stats.”
Game Summary
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions. The Cavaliers came back from a nine-point deficit late in the fourth quarter to snatch the win. Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland’s offense with 24 points, while De’Andre Hunter played hero in the final moments with a clutch shot and a critical defensive stop.
The Hornets, on the other hand, were powered by Miles Bridges’ season-high 46 points. Despite their valiant effort, they couldn’t hold off Cleveland’s late-game surge. This loss marked Charlotte’s ninth straight defeat in what has been a challenging season.
Box Score Highlights
Cleveland Cavaliers
- Field Goals: 42.1% (32/76)
- Free Throws: 84.3% (43/51)
- Top Scorers:
- Donovan Mitchell: 24 points
- Darius Garland: 20 points
- Evan Mobley: 19 points
- Rebounds: Total 45 (9 offensive)
Charlotte Hornets
- Field Goals: 47.8% (44/92)
- Free Throws: 76.2% (16/21)
- Top Scorer:
- Miles Bridges: Season-high 46 points
- Rebounds: Total 43 (10 offensive)
Player Performances
Cleveland Cavaliers
- Donovan Mitchell: Mitchell led the team with consistent scoring and clutch free throws (12/18). His leadership on offense kept Cleveland within striking distance throughout the game.
- Darius Garland & Evan Mobley: Both contributed significantly to the offense with a combined total of 39 points.
- De’Andre Hunter: Hunter stepped up when it mattered most, hitting a game-winning shot with just 43 seconds left and making a key defensive play against Miles Bridges.
Charlotte Hornets
- Miles Bridges: Bridges was unstoppable, dropping an impressive 46 points in one of his best performances of the season.
- Jusuf Nurkic: Nurkic recorded a double-double with 12 points and 15 rebounds, providing much-needed support for Bridges.
Comparison of Team Stats
Here’s how both teams stacked up statistically:
| Stat | Cleveland Cavaliers | Charlotte Hornets |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goal % | 42.1% | 47.8% |
| Free Throw % | 84.3% | 76.2% |
| Rebounds | 45 | 43 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 12 |
| Points in the Paint | 40 | 52 |
While the Hornets had better shooting percentages and dominated points in the paint, Cleveland’s superior free throw shooting (43 made free throws) proved to be the difference-maker.
Timeline of Key Events
First Quarter
The game started evenly, with both teams tied at 27 points apiece by the end of the first quarter.
Second Quarter
The Cavaliers found their rhythm in the second quarter, outscoring the Hornets by an impressive margin of 36-25 to take an early lead into halftime.
Third Quarter
Charlotte came roaring back in the third quarter, cutting Cleveland’s lead to just four points by outscoring them 31-24.
Fourth Quarter
The final quarter was full of drama:
- The Hornets surged ahead with a nine-point lead midway through the period.
- However, Cleveland responded with a late-game push led by Mitchell and capped off by Hunter’s clutch shot and defensive stop.
Cleveland’s Winning Streak
This victory marked Cleveland’s NBA-leading streak of thirteen consecutive wins. Their consistency throughout the season has been remarkable, and this win further solidifies their position as one of the top teams heading into the playoffs.
Charlotte’s Struggles
For the Charlotte Hornets, this loss extended their losing streak to nine games. With a season record of just 14-48, it’s been a tough year for Coach Charles Lee’s squad. Injuries and defensive lapses have plagued their efforts to compete consistently.
Table for Key Players
Here’s a quick look at some standout players from this thrilling game:
| Player | Team | Points Scored | Notable Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Donovan Mitchell | Cleveland Cavaliers | 24 | Led scoring, clutch free throws |
| Miles Bridges | Charlotte Hornets | 46 | Season-high performance |
| De’Andre Hunter | Cleveland Cavaliers | 15 | Game-winning shot and defense |
Conclusion
The “Cleveland Cavaliers vs Charlotte Hornets Box score, player stats” tells a story of resilience and determination. While Cleveland extended their winning streak to an impressive thirteen games with this hard-fought victory, Charlotte showed heart despite falling short yet again.
Looking ahead, the Cavaliers will face another tough challenge against Milwaukee next week as they aim to keep their streak alive. Meanwhile, the Hornets will host Brooklyn as they try to snap their losing skid.
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