The Cleveland Cavaliers took a five-game losing streak into Friday’s contest versus the Charlotte Hornets, and for a little while, it looked like the slide was going to continue.
The Cavs had built a sizeable lead early on and maintained it late into the fourth quarter when Charlotte went on a furious rally in the final minute to force overtime.
It took two overtimes and some clutch shots from Darius Garland, but Cleveland finally got a win, 132-122.
Although fans are grateful the team won, they’re still understandably frustrated and concerned.
One reason for frustration is the team’s hole at the wing position, and this man blames the lack of production from key reserve Cedi Osman.
When the @Cavs were rolling earlier in the season, Cedi was providing a consistent spark and scoring off the bench. Those days are gone and the Cavs have been struggling ever since
— Andy Adams (@CavsHoopman) November 19, 2022
After getting off to a promising start, Caris LeVert has been moved to the bench, and he went just 1-of-8 in 30 minutes on Friday.
This fan feels LeVert needs to remain glued to the bench, although he also praised the return of Jarrett Allen and the fact that he had a nice game.
@cavs tonight just proves how big of a piece Jarrett Allen is and how Levert is not ready to start . #cavs #nba
— Unbiased Cavs Fan (@ChiodoIan) November 19, 2022
Cleveland’s Stars Played Big
Allen made 8-of-11 shots and scored 20 points while also adding 12 rebounds and four blocks, and Evan Mobley had a super-efficient 21 points, 18 rebounds and two blocks.
But the Cavs’ backcourt was the biggest factor in their win over the Hornets.
Garland poured in 41 points on 16-of-26 shooting, six assists and five steals and Donovan Mitchell added 34 points and six assists of his own.
@cavs it is nice to see Garland and Mitchell building chemistry. I think Mitchell sitting out against the t-wolves was the best thing for garland to find his stride on offense #cavs #nba
— Unbiased Cavs Fan (@ChiodoIan) November 19, 2022
I'd say right now it has to be Darius Garland. I know he just came back from injury, but I feel like he and Mitchell are really starting to gel… Add that with LeVert and its golden (although they are in a rough patch atm)
— Freyer (@Freyingwire4) November 19, 2022
Best point guard in the league
— Guilherme Fauth (@Gui16Fauth) November 19, 2022
Turnovers were a big problem, as the Cavs committed 19 of them, which is a ton for a team like them that plays at a slow pace.
By no means are their woes a thing of the past now, but at least their losing streak is over, and they’re now tied with the Atlanta Hawks for the third-best record in the Eastern Conference.
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