Hornets Get Convincing Win vs. Cavaliers

The Charlotte Hornets used a fourth quarter comeback to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers by 11, 123-112. Miles Bridges scored 30 points and Kelly Oubre added 25 in a reserve role on Friday night.

For the second straight game, the Hornets got off to a less than stellar start and relatively quickly dug themselves into an eight point deficit. Oubre, coming off the bench, with Terry Rozier back in the lineup, was able to bring the Hornets within three points by having a 10 point quarter, 30-27.

Both teams picked up the pace to start the second quarter. LaMelo Ball was able to find his stroke, hitting three shots in the paint and dishing out some nice assists. Despite his good play, Ball picked up his third foul early in the quarter and had to take a seat on the bench.

The Hornets had some lapses on defense allowing Cleveland to get some easy opportunities. Charlotte trailed by as many as 11 points, but a mini-run led in large part by Oubre and Miles Bridges pulled them within five and gave Oubre 17 first half points.

The Hornets picked up the defensive pressure to start the second half and took the lead early in the frame on a LaMelo Ball pull-up jump shot. The teams exchanged baskets for a large chunk of the quarter. After that, almost every Hornet made a contribution, while the Cavaliers were more of a one man show, getting most of their points from Collin Sexton. At the end of the third quarter, the Hornets led by the slimmest of margins, 90-89.

The Cavaliers started the fourth quarter with possession of the ball, but two straight turnovers led to four Hornets points, before the Cavaliers were even able to get a shot attempt. Bridges and Gordon Hayward contributed with back-to-back 3-pointers. Charlotte forced another Cleveland turnover and Cody Martin soared over 6-foot-11 center Jarrett Allen for a slam dunk, which put the game on ice.

The Cavs played without starting point guard Darius Garland, who sprained his ankle in Wednesday nights’ game against Memphis. Ricky Rubio filled in for him and scored 15 points and 10 assists, a double-double.

“It was a snowball we couldn’t stop,” said Rubio who started in place of Darius Garland, out with a sprained ankle. “I’ll have go back and watch but there were a lot of turnovers. It happened so fast. I don’t remember all of them. There was a lot.”

Collin Sexton scored a game high 33 points and rookie Evan Mobley pitched in with 13 for the Cavs, who have a good, young core, but will undoubtedly go through their share of struggles, especially early on in the season.

Gordon Hayward finished with 18 points and LaMelo Ball had 17, with three rebounds, six assists and five steals for the Hornets. Cody Martin, for the second straight game, had double figures with 10 points and some outstanding defensive plays.

“It was our defense,” said Bridges, who made four 3-pointers and added seven rebounds. “When we lock down defensively, I feel like we’re one of the best defensive teams in the NBA.”

The slow starts are somewhat concerning, but the Hornets seem to be able to turn it on when needed. There is so much talent on the roster that can take a game over, which has been on full display through the first two games.

“I love our depth,” Hornets coach James Borrego said. “I love our toughness.”

The Cleveland Cavaliers will host the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday before heading out on a five-game road trip.

The Charlotte Hornets will look to finish the first week of the season 3-0 when they take on the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday afternoon.