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Donovan Mitchell scores 32 points as Cavaliers beat Hornets 118-113 for 7th straight victory
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Donovan Mitchell scores 32 points as Cavaliers beat Hornets 118-113 for 7th straight victory

#Donovan Mitchell #Cleveland Cavaliers #Charlotte Hornets #NBA #Basketball #Rookie record #Three-pointers #Fourth quarter

📌 Key Takeaways

  • Donovan Mitchell scored 32 points with 13 in the fourth quarter
  • Cavaliers won their 7th straight game and 12th in 13 games
  • Charlotte's Kon Knueppel set a rookie record with 193 three-pointers this season
  • Cavaliers dominated in the paint, outscoring Hornets 50-28
  • Hornets played without key players due to injuries and suspensions

📖 Full Retelling

Donovan Mitchell led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 118-113 victory over the Charlotte Hornets in Charlotte, North Carolina on February 20, 2026, securing the team's seventh consecutive win and 12th triumph in their last 13 games with 32 points. Mitchell's performance was particularly crucial in the fourth quarter as he scored 13 of his 32 points during the final period to help the Cavaliers hold off the Hornets' late charge. The Cavaliers received strong contributions from Jared Allen, who recorded 25 points and 14 rebounds, and James Harden, who added 18 points and eight assists. Charlotte's rookie sensation Kon Knueppel put on an impressive display with 33 points on seven 3-pointers, the second most 3-pointers made by a rookie in NBA history, though it wasn't enough to secure the victory for his team. The Cavaliers built a 14-point lead in the second quarter before Charlotte mounted a comeback, with Knueppel hitting four 3-pointers and scoring 16 points in the first half to cut the deficit to six. Charlotte actually took the lead late in the third quarter behind more long-range shooting from Knueppel, but Mitchell's physical play and clutch free throws in the final moments proved decisive. The Cavaliers outscored the Hornets 50-28 in the paint and capitalized on Charlotte's depleted frontcourt, as the Hornets were forced to play younger, less experienced players due to injuries and suspensions to key players like Miles Bridges, Moussa Diabate, and Grant Williams.

🏷️ Themes

NBA Basketball, Player Performance, Team Records

📚 Related People & Topics

Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland Cavaliers

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The Cleveland Cavaliers, often referred to as the Cavs, are an American professional basketball team based in Cleveland. The Cavaliers compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference. The team began play as an expansion team in 1970,...

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Donovan Mitchell

Donovan Mitchell

American basketball player (born 1996)

Donovan Vernell Mitchell Jr. (born September 7, 1996) is an American professional basketball player for the Cleveland Cavaliers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Nicknamed "Spida", he was drafted in the first round of the 2017 NBA draft and acquired by the Utah Jazz, whom he played for f...

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Charlotte Hornets

National Basketball Association team in North Carolina, US

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North American professional basketball league

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Basketball

Basketball

Team sport

Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players each (excluding subs), opposing one another on a rectangular court, compete with the primary objective of shooting a basketball (approximately 9.4 inches (24 cm) in diameter) through the defender's hoop (a basket 18 inches (46 cm) in diam...

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Deep Analysis

Why It Matters

Donovan Mitchell's 32 points helped the Cavaliers extend their winning streak to seven games, solidifying their position in the Eastern Conference. The game also highlighted the Hornets' offensive struggles and the rising talent of rookie Kon Knueppel, who set a new rookie 3‑point record.

Context & Background

  • Cleveland Cavaliers are 12 wins in 13 games
  • Donovan Mitchell scored 32 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter
  • Charlotte Hornets' Kon Knueppel made 7 three‑pointers, the second most by a rookie in NBA history

What Happens Next

The Cavaliers will look to maintain their momentum as they head into the final stretch of the regular season, aiming for a top seed in the playoffs. The Hornets will need to adjust their lineup and strategy after losing key players to suspension and injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who scored the most points in the game?

Donovan Mitchell with 32 points

What was the Cavaliers' record after the win?

12 wins in 13 games, including a seven game winning streak

Which rookie set a new record for 3‑pointers?

Kon Knueppel with 33 points and 7 three‑pointers

Original Source
Donovan Mitchell scores 32 points as Cavaliers beat Hornets 118-113 for 7th straight victory Donovan Mitchell scored 13 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter and the streaking Cleveland Cavaliers held off the Charlotte Hornets 118-113 for their seventh straight victory and 12th win in 13 games By STEVE REED AP sports writer February 20, 2026, 9:45 PM CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Donovan Mitchell scored 13 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter and the streaking Cleveland Cavaliers held off the Charlotte Hornets 118-113 on Friday night for their seventh straight victory and 12th win in 13 games. Jared Allen had 25 points and 14 rebounds and James Harden added 18 points and eight assists for the Cavaliers. Charlotte’s Kon Knueppel finished with 33 points on seven 3-pointers, giving him 193 made 3s for the season — the second most in NBA history by a rookie. Keegan Murray holds the record with 206 set in the 2022-23 season. LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller each had 18 points and rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner added 12 points and 13 rebounds for Charlotte. Miller's and-one layup off a no-look feed from Ball cut Cleveland's lead to four with a minute remaining, but Mitchell made a short jumper and four free throws in the final 40 seconds to seal the win. The Cavaliers built a 14-point lead in the second quarter and looked like they were preparing to break the game open, but Knueppel began to heat up, finishing with four 3s and 16 points in the first half to cut Cleveland's lead in to six. Charlotte took the lead late in the third quarter behind three more Knueppel 3s. But Mitchell began to take over with his physical play. He got to the line 13 times and made 12 free throws. Charlotte played without suspended forwards Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabate and Grant Williams, who sat out with knee injury management forcing them to play younger, less experienced players in the frontcourt. Popular Reads Nancy Guthrie live updates: More than 1 suspect not ruled out, sheriff's office says Feb 20, 4...
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Source

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