Cavaliers Lose To The Hornets 118-111: Game Recap 3/27/24

Post-Game Recap

3 Notes Around the Loss

1 – 11-0

The Cavs were up 111-107 after a Caris LeVert layup with 3:28 left to go, and Cleveland would never score again as Charlotte ended the game with an 11-0 run.

2 – Defense

Cleveland prides itself on defense, but that was unavailable on Wednesday night, as the Cavs allowed the Hornets to shoot 57.9% from the field. Charlotte also outshot the Cavs from the free throw line, 17 for 22, compared to Cleveland’s eight for 14. 

3 – Strus

Max Strus was back in the lineup tonight, scoring 19.

Game Recap

Rookie Brandon Miller showcased his prowess with seven successful 3-pointers, amassing a total of 31 points, leading the Charlotte Hornets to a 118-111 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night, seeking redemption from a prior 23-point defeat earlier in the week.

Contributions from Miles Bridges and Tre Mann, who each scored 17 points, along with Grant Williams’ 16 points, fueled the Hornets’ resurgence as they shot an impressive 58% from the field, putting an end to their five-game losing streak. Vasa Micic orchestrated the offense with 11 points and 12 assists, while Nick Richards secured a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

On the Cavaliers’ side, Jarrett Allen led the scoring with 24 points, supported by Sam Merrill’s 17 points, yet Cleveland suffered their fourth loss in five games. Allen’s performance marked the first time in four games that a Cleveland player surpassed 20 points.

In their previous encounter, the Cavaliers had dominated the Hornets with a 115-92 victory in Cleveland, marred by Marcus Morris Sr.’s ejection following a high elbow incident involving Richards.

Playing with renewed vigor at home, the Hornets maintained momentum throughout the game. Notably, in the fourth quarter, Charlotte’s relentless effort on the offensive glass, particularly with two crucial rebounds by Williams, provided opportunities for Miller to capitalize, including an emphatic one-handed dunk.

Despite a momentary surge by the Cavaliers, highlighted by Darius Garland’s 3-pointer, the Hornets remained resilient. Miller orchestrated a crucial alley-oop dunk for Bridges and followed it up with a timely floater to regain the lead in the final minutes.

Cleveland’s hopes were dashed in the closing moments as Allen faltered at the free-throw line and turnovers plagued their offense, culminating in a scoreless drought of over three minutes. Miller’s clutch 3-pointer with 25 seconds remaining effectively sealed the victory for the Hornets.

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