Cavaliers storm back from huge deficit to repel Hornets on the road

Cleveland Cavaliers avoid another road loss

The Cleveland Cavaliers banked on a massive fourth quarter to complete a 114-108 comeback win on the first leg of a back-to-back series against the Charlotte Hornets. With the win, the Cavs solidify their hold of solo fourth place in the East with a 43-27 record.

After falling short late against the Miami Heat just two nights ago, the Cavaliers found themselves on the back foot for nearly the entire night, falling behind by as much as 16 before racing back in the final period to repel the pesky Hornets squad.

Darius Garland returned to the lineup after sitting out against the Heat with a quad contusion to finish with a game-high 28 points to go with six rebounds and six assists, while Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley also added 23 and 18 points respectively in the spirited comeback victory.

On the other end, guard Terry Rozier had another huge outing against his hometown Cavaliers with 27 markers to lead all five Hornets starters to tally double-figures in the loss.

The Cavs need to build on this

The comeback will not only help character-building for the young Cavaliers team but should also serve as a lesson not to take certain opponents lightly. With Charlotte missing some of their best players in Lamelo Ball (ankle-out for the season) and Kelly Oubre (back), Cleveland should develop the killer instinct to jump on their undermanned opponents from the opening tip.

Memories of last season’s late collapse that cost them barely missing out on a postseason berth after crashing out after two play-in tournament losses against the Brooklyn Nets and the Atlanta Hawks should be enough motivation to reach for not only the postseason but also a top four spot.

While the team is on pace to finish firmly among the top six teams with a guaranteed playoff ticket, it is imperative to set out and secure home-court advantage in the tight Eastern Conference. They are now three games ahead of the Brooklyn Nets and 3.5 games clear of the New York Knicks.

The Cleveland Cavaliers will look to continue building towards another opportunity to put away the struggling Charlotte Hornets, in the second leg of the back-to-back series in the South on March 14th.