During the Tuesday night NBA slate, the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Charlotte Hornets for the second time in three days, 120-104. Evan Mobley had 26 points.
Donovan Mitchell (strained finger) and center Jarrett Allen (eye contusion) were both out. Cedi Osman scored 24 points off the bench for the Cavaliers, Caris LeVert chipped in 22 points and seven assists, and Darius Garland scored 19. The Cavs are now winners of five of their prior six outings.
“We’re ready for that playoff basketball mindset,” Cavaliers forward Lamar Stevens said. “We are ready for whatever is up next. I think we are really connected and focusing on the details to get us to where we want to go and to make a big run later in the playoffs. So we need big games like this.”
The Hornets, who have lost three straight at home and are 11-27, were led by Kelly Oubre Jr. with 28 points and Terry Rozier with 22 points and 10 assists.
NBA SCORES & NEWS: Evan Mobley, Caris LeVert, Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers & Charlotte Hornets Updates
There was never a sense of synergy on offense for the Hornets. A total of 22 turnovers were committed by Charlotte, most of which were self-inflicted, while Cleveland only committed nine turnovers, which led to six points.
“There’s a reason why they’re the best defensive team in the NBA — they create a lot of turnovers, they’re physical, they have size,” Hornets coach Steve Clifford said. “When you get behind, it’s hard to come back. We had 10 more (turnovers) in the second half. You’re just not going to win” playing that way.”
As a result of Garland’s 28 points, the Cavaliers beat the Hornets 114-108 on Sunday. It wasn’t necessary for them to use a comeback on Tuesday.
With 15 Charlotte turnovers at halftime and just one turnover by the Cavaliers, the Cavaliers led 63-48 at the break. At one point, the Cavaliers outscored the Hornets 31-0 off turnovers during the third quarter as their lead grew to 22 points.
NBA SCORES & NEWS: Evan Mobley, Caris LeVert, Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers & Charlotte Hornets Updates
“Understanding the value of every possession, that’s one of the things that we’ve been talking to the guys about is as the games become bigger, more critical, every possession matters,” Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “Being able to get a shot on goal matters. When you have guys who can create, who can score, it’s important to put it up on the rim, at least give yourself a chance.”
Clifford pulled his starters with four minutes remaining as the Hornets trailed by 19 points behind. Charlotte never produced a serious rally attempt in the second half.
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