The Hornets turned a tight opening quarter into a commanding halftime cushion over Cleveland.
Charlotte turned a one-point first-quarter edge, 29-28, into a 69-53 halftime advantage by outscoring Cleveland 40-25 in the second. Grayson Allen has 20 points, Naz Reid 19, and Tidjane Salaun added 14 on a perfect 4-for-4 from the field, including 3-for-3 from deep. Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley have nine points apiece for Cleveland, while Donovan Mitchell has five on 1-for-7 shooting. After the break, watch whether Mitchell can find his shot and whether Cleveland can slow Charlotte’s scorers; the Cavaliers entered at 5-5 and No. 17 in the power index, compared with the Hornets’ 3-7 record and No. 26 rank.
Key Performers
Grayson Allen (Charlotte): 20 PTS, 5-for-10 3PT Naz Reid (Charlotte): 19 PTS, 6 REB Tidjane Salaun (Charlotte): 14 PTS, 4-for-4 FG, 3-for-3 3PT