Cavaliers Secure Narrow Victory Over Hornets
In an intense matchup held at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, the Cleveland Cavaliers managed to secure a narrow 118-113 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on February 20, 2026. This win marks the Cavaliers’ seventh consecutive triumph and their twelfth in the last thirteen games, showcasing their impressive form since recent roster changes.
Game Highlights
From the outset, the Cavaliers appeared to have the upper hand, establishing an early lead by ten points in the first quarter and extending it to fourteen at its peak. However, they settled for a six-point advantage heading into halftime. The Hornets, known for their tenacity, came roaring back in the second half, taking advantage of their shooting accuracy beyond the arc by hitting eight out of fifteen attempts in the third quarter, which allowed them to regain the lead momentarily.
Key Performers
Despite the shift in momentum, the Cavaliers’ offensive strategy shone through. The dynamic duo of Donovan Mitchell and James Harden played pivotal roles in the game’s critical moments, with Mitchell contributing significantly in the fourth quarter by netting 13 out of his total 32 points. Harden also made his presence felt, scoring 18 points while handing out eight assists as he orchestrated the offense.
Meanwhile, Jarrett Allen continued to impress, setting the tempo early on by scoring 11 of his 26 points in the first quarter. He demonstrated his all-around gameplay by finishing with 14 rebounds and one block, solidifying his position as a cornerstone of the Cavaliers’ roster. However, the team faced challenges in their defensive strategy, particularly in securing rebounds, as they allowed Charlotte to accumulate 37 points from second chances. This discrepancy highlighted the absence of Evan Mobley, who was sidelined due to injury management, leaving a noticeable gap in the Cavaliers’ frontline.
Hornets’ Standout Performance
For the Hornets, Kon Knueppel emerged as a standout performer, scorching the nets with a game-high 33 points, which included a 7-15 performance from three-point range. His efforts, along with contributions of 18 points from both LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, kept Charlotte competitive throughout the game. Despite their strong shooting efforts, particularly in the third quarter, they were unable to maintain that momentum in the final frame, allowing the Cavaliers to edge them out.
Looking Ahead
With the win, the Cavaliers will look to extend their winning streak as they prepare to face off against a depleted Oklahoma City Thunder team on Sunday at 1 PM. The team’s resilience and powerful backcourt have poised them for ongoing success as they move further into the season and strive for playoff positioning.
