After a 5-5 start, Cleveland closed the first quarter on a 28-8 run, which really set the tempo for the rest of the game. The Cavs built on that effort and led 75-40 at halftime, and cruised in the second half for the easy victory.
Key Stat:
Cleveland's dominance in this one is best shown by how they were able to control the post, outscoring Charlotte 56-46 in the paint and outrebounding them 56-42. They were able to drive and get to the basketball at will against the Hornets' usually strong defense, and their rebounding advantage gave them a lot of second chance points.
Cleveland MVP:
Head coach David Blatt pulled the starters after three quarters, but they still managed to put up great numbers. LeBron James dominated the game with 26 points, nine assists, six rebounds, and four steals, while J.R. Smith lit it up from the outside with 21 points on seven made three-pointers. Timofey Mozgov chipped in a double-double (14 points, 10 rebounds), and Kyrie Irving had a nice game with 18 points and four rebounds.
Charlotte MVP:
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist stepped up and played well for the Hornets, scoring 15 points and grabbing seven rebounds in three quarters of work. Al Jefferson also played well off the bench with 22 points and 11 rebounds.
What’s Next?
Cleveland will host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday while Charlotte will try to rebound tomorrow at home against the New York Knicks.
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