The NBA-leading Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Charlotte Hornets 118-117 on Friday night thanks to a strong comeback led by Donovan Mitchell, who scored 24 points. It was the Cavaliers' 13th consecutive victory. With 20 more points from Darius Garland, the Cavaliers improved to 53-10. Evan Mobley scored 19 points, while Sam Merrill scored 12, De'Andre Hunter scored 15, and Jarrett Allen scored 14.

Charlotte's Miles Bridges scored 46 points. At the buzzer, his halfcourt shot missed the target. The Hornets are at 14-48 after suffering nine consecutive losses. After three quarters, Cleveland was ahead 87-83, having led 67-54 early in the second half. With 5:41 remaining, Charlotte came back with a 21-8 run to take a 104-95 lead. The Cavaliers responded by outscoring the Hornets 25-15 to end the game. Hunter’s contested follow shot with 43 seconds left gave Cleveland the lead for good at 112-110.