Hornets Silence Cavaliers in Overtime for 119-111 Win

In a thrilling overtime battle, the Charlotte Hornets defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 119-111 on December 14, 2025. The Hornets showcased their resilience by holding the Cavaliers scoreless in the extra period, a feat that contributed to only their third away victory of the season.

Rookie sensation Kon Knueppel led the charge for Charlotte, scoring an impressive 29 points. This performance came just days after he netted a season-high 33 points in a loss to the Chicago Bulls. Brandon Miller also made a significant impact, contributing 25 points along with a career-best 13 rebounds and six assists. Miles Bridges rounded out the strong offensive effort with 20 points, ten rebounds, and six assists.

The game took a dramatic turn in overtime, as the Cavaliers struggled to find their rhythm. They missed all ten of their attempts in that five-minute stretch, leading to a disappointing outcome for a team expected to be a serious contender in the Eastern Conference. Despite their struggles, Darius Garland managed to score 26 points, with Donovan Mitchell adding 17. The Cavaliers have now lost six of their last nine games, raising concerns about their consistency early in the season.

Cleveland displayed impressive tenacity by erasing a 17-point deficit to tie the game in the final seconds of regulation. Mitchell had an opportunity to clinch the victory but missed a 12-foot jumper at the buzzer. Following the miss, the All-Star guard expressed his frustration, covering his face on the scorer’s table.

Injuries have significantly impacted the Cavaliers’ season. They were without key forward Evan Mobley, who is sidelined with a strained left calf that could keep him out for up to a month. Despite the challenges, Kenny Atkinson, the head coach of the Cavaliers, remains hopeful, stating, “the sky isn’t falling. We’re going to be all right,” before the game.

The Hornets faced their own injury challenges, missing guards LaMelo Ball, Collin Sexton, and Tre Mann during this matchup. Their ability to secure a win under such circumstances speaks to the depth of their roster.

Looking ahead, the Hornets will host the Atlanta Hawks on December 18, while the Cavaliers will travel to Chicago for a game on December 17. Both teams will be eager to turn the page on this game and seek out more consistent performances as the season progresses.