The Cleveland Cavaliers are having a love affair with winning, and the Hornets were the latest victims, falling 128-114 to an unstoppable Cleveland freight train. The Cavs are now 15-0 to start the season, a feat that puts them in exclusive company with just three other teams in NBA history. It’s as if Cleveland forgot how to lose—and honestly, who’s complaining?
Cleveland Rocks (and Rolls Over Opponents)
After spotting Charlotte an early 5-4 lead (we’re not even sure this counts as a “lead”), the Cavs slammed the door, sped off into the sunset, and never looked back. Sure, the Hornets buzzed back within three points late in the third quarter, but Cleveland promptly swatted them back into oblivion, securing the victory with a dominant fourth-quarter display.
This start isn’t just hot—it’s molten. Only the legendary 2015-16 Golden State Warriors (remember them? The 73-9 juggernaut that forgot to finish the job in the Finals) have had a better start at 24-0. For the trivia buffs, the other two teams to start 15-0 were the 1993-94 Rockets (champions) and the 1948-49 Washington Capitols (long defunct—guess history has its favorites).
Cleveland’s Jarrett Allen, who had a monster night with 21 points and 15 rebounds, summed it up best: “The city of Cleveland has our backs like that.” It’s hard not to cheer when your team is steamrolling the league.
A Team Effort, Even Without Donovan Mitchell
With franchise star Donovan Mitchell taking a load-management night, the Cavs didn’t flinch. Darius Garland’s 25 points and 12 assists, Ty Jerome’s 24 points, Evan Mobley’s 23 points and 11 rebounds, and Allen’s double-double all contributed to the team’s balanced offensive buffet. Who needs a one-man show when your supporting cast is this electric?
Next on the Cavs’ radar? The Boston Celtics. It’s a rematch of last season’s Eastern Conference semifinals, which the Celtics won. Allen isn’t shy about calling it payback time: “I know they didn’t have some players and we didn’t have me. I want to help propel us forward and try to beat them.” Sounds spicy.
Meanwhile, in the Land of Long-Range Legends
Over in Los Angeles, James Harden decided to take another step toward basketball immortality, passing Ray Allen to become second on the NBA’s all-time three-point list. Harden now sits at 2,974 made threes, trailing only Steph Curry’s absurd 3,782.
Harden, never one for false humility, called it “an unbelievable accomplishment.” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue added, “James has always been a dynamic scorer.” Translation: Harden shoots a lot, and the ball goes in a lot.
Timberwolves Get a Julius Randle Miracle
Julius Randle’s career as a Timberwolf is off to a roaring start, capped by a game-winning three-pointer to beat the Suns 120-117. After Phoenix’s Grayson Allen gave the Suns an 11-point lead early in the fourth, Minnesota came storming back, with Randle drilling a buzzer-beating sidestep three to send the home crowd into pandemonium.
Randle’s stat line of 35 points, seven assists, and four rebounds screamed, “I’m the guy now,” a not-so-subtle reminder to the Knicks of what they gave up. The Suns, meanwhile, were without Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal—so, yeah, tough luck, Devin Booker, and your valiant 44 points.
Sunday in a Nutshell
- Cavs stay undefeated: Cleveland’s joyride continues at 15-0.
- Harden climbs history: Second in threes, first in confidence.
- Randle’s heroics: Minnesota might just have a new favorite son.
It’s only November, but the NBA drama is already at midseason form. Stay tuned for more chaos—because what’s basketball without a little flair?
