NBA: Cavaliers withstand last-ditch rally from Hornets for win

Mar 7, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Referee Tony Brothers (25) has words with Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson during the first quarter as Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) runs interference at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

Donovan Mitchell poured in 24 points and Darius Garland posted 20 as the duo helped the Cleveland Cavaliers escape with a 118-117 win against the host Charlotte Hornets in the NBA on Friday night.

Miles Bridges scored a career-high 46 points for the Hornets, who suffered their ninth consecutive loss.

Bridges made 15 of 32 shots from the field and 12 of 13 free throws, but he committed a turnover in the final minute that allowed Cleveland to grab a two-possession lead. His 3-pointer with 8.1 seconds left gave the Hornets a chance, narrowing the gap to 116-115.

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After Mitchell and Bridges exchanged two made free throws, Mitchell missed 1 of 2 with 4.1 seconds left. But Bridges missed a last-gasp heave that secured the win for the Cavaliers.

Evan Mobley provided 19 points and 10 rebounds, De’Andre Hunter had 15 points off the bench and Jarrett Allen provided 14 points and 11 boards for the Cavaliers, who have won 13 straight games.

LaMelo Ball tallied 13 points and seven assists before fouling out and Jusuf Nurkic posted 12 points and 15 rebounds for the Hornets, who trailed by as many as 13 points.

Nurkic connected for two baskets in Charlotte’s 6-0 spurt as the Hornets led 104-95 with just over five minutes to play. About two minutes later, the Cavaliers were within 104-101.

Garland made four free throws sandwiching Mobley’s tying 3-pointer to push the Cavs in front 108-106. Bridges and Garland each made two foul shots, then Damion Baugh’s basket tied the game for the Hornets with just over a minute remaining.

Hunter put the Cavaliers back on top with 43.1 seconds to go before Bridges’ costly turnover. While Bridges gave Charlotte life with a late 3-pointer, Cleveland closed it out for the win. –Field Level Media