What happens when two determined Eastern Conference teams clash on a cold December night? The Cleveland Cavaliers and Charlotte Hornets delivered a thrilling, high-octane game on December 22, 2025, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
With explosive plays, standout performances, and a record-setting 24 three-pointers from Cleveland, the matchup became a statistical showcase.
In this blog, we’ll break down the key player stats, top scorers, team comparisons, and everything that defined this epic basketball showdown.
What Were the Final Scores and Key Highlights of the Game?
In one of the most entertaining and high-scoring games of the 2025 NBA season, the Cleveland Cavaliers narrowly edged out the Charlotte Hornets with a final score of 139-132 at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio.
This thrilling Monday night showdown on December 22, 2025, was marked by offensive fireworks, three-point dominance, and standout performances from multiple players.
The Cavaliers showcased their shooting brilliance by sinking an impressive 24 three-pointers, a statistic that heavily influenced the outcome. Charlotte matched up with a resilient offensive output, but their defensive gaps, especially in transition and perimeter coverage, proved costly.
The game saw multiple lead changes in the first half, but the Cavaliers seized control during the third quarter, building a lead that Charlotte struggled to overcome. Both teams had standout contributors, but Cleveland’s superior efficiency and teamwork ultimately sealed the win.
While the Hornets did show bursts of brilliance, especially from LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, the Cavaliers’ dynamic duo of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland proved too much to handle in the clutch. Overall, fans were treated to a competitive, end-to-end battle that lived up to its billing.
How Did Donovan Mitchell Lead the Cavaliers to Victory?
Donovan Mitchell once again delivered a performance that solidified his status as one of the NBA’s elite scorers. He finished the game with 30 points, shooting 10-of-18 from the field, and was highly efficient from beyond the arc, knocking down six 3-pointers at a 54.5% clip.
- He contributed 5 assists, creating plays for teammates.
- Mitchell had a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line.
- Defensively, he managed a steal and showcased active hands on the perimeter.
What set Mitchell apart was his timing. Many of his baskets came at critical junctures, especially in the third and early fourth quarters, when the Hornets threatened to make a run.
His ability to score off isolation, hit step-back threes, and drive through traffic added dimensions to Cleveland’s offence.
Mitchell’s Key Stats
| Statistic | Value |
| Points | 30 |
| FG% | 55.6% |
| 3P% | 54.5% |
| Free Throw % | 100% |
| Assists | 5 |
| Turnovers | 3 |
With Mitchell leading the charge, the Cavaliers looked composed and confident in crunch moments, ultimately outpacing the Hornets when it mattered the most.
What Role Did LaMelo Ball Play in the Hornets’ Performance?
LaMelo Ball was at the heart of everything the Charlotte Hornets did offensively. In just 24 minutes, he managed to score 23 points, shoot 50% from the field, and impressively hit 6-of-10 from three-point range. He was the floor general, setting the pace, dictating plays, and finding open teammates with his signature flair.
LaMelo also contributed 9 assists, making him the team’s top facilitator. His vision and decision-making allowed Charlotte to stretch Cleveland’s defence, especially in fast-break situations. When the Hornets needed a momentum shift, Ball often delivered clutch threes or pushed the pace to create mismatches.
However, turnovers and foul trouble slightly hampered his overall impact. He committed 3 turnovers and had to sit out parts of the second half due to foul accumulation. Defensively, he didn’t offer much resistance, which the Cavaliers exploited during key stretches.
Despite that, LaMelo’s offensive leadership kept the Hornets within striking distance for most of the match.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Charlotte Hornets Match Player Stats
Here’s a quick statistical comparison of key team metrics that shaped the game:
Team Stats Comparison
| Metric | Cavaliers | Hornets |
| Field Goal % | 55.2% | 48.9% |
| 3-Point FG % | 54.5% | 50.0% |
| Free Throw % | 100% | 76.0% |
| Total Rebounds | 30 | 44 |
| Assists | 36 | 29 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 19 |
| Steals | 9 | 10 |
| Blocks | 2 | 3 |
| Points in Paint | 46 | 48 |
Although Charlotte out-rebounded Cleveland, the Cavaliers’ exceptional shooting accuracy from deep and their superior ball movement contributed to their overall offensive efficiency.
Turnovers also played a major role, with the Hornets committing more errors in crucial moments.
Which Players Stood Out for the Cleveland Cavaliers?
Beyond Mitchell, several Cavaliers players made critical contributions:
Darius Garland
- 27 points, 10 assists
- Shot 60% from the field and hit 5-of-6 threes
- Managed the pace and created open looks with precision passing
De’Andre Hunter
- 27 points with an impressive 69.2% FG
- Efficient from three and great in cutting plays
Dean Wade
- Scored 14 points with 4 threes
- Grabbed 7 rebounds, adding presence on the glass
Jarrett Allen
- A perfect 4-of-4 shooting
- Contributed 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks
Notable Mentions
- Thomas Bryant: 10 points off the bench
- Lonzo Ball: 7 assists and solid ball distribution
The Cavaliers showed depth, with multiple players scoring in double digits and contributing on both ends of the court.
How Efficient Were the Hornets in Their Shooting?
The Hornets had a solid shooting night overall, finishing with 48.9% FG and 50% from three, making 21-of-42 attempts from deep.
Key Offensive Contributors
- Brandon Miller: 20 points on 61.5% shooting
- Kon Knueppel: 20 points, 5-of-9 from three
- Miles Bridges: 17 points, 6 rebounds
- Tre Mann: 13 points and a team-high +12 in plus/minus
- Josh Green: 10 points on 75% FG
The Hornets moved the ball well, registered 29 assists, and kept pace with the Cavaliers through fast-paced offence and perimeter shooting. However, their inability to convert in the paint consistently and capitalize on second-chance opportunities cost them vital points.
What Was the Impact of Bench Players in This Match?
The bench impact was more noticeable for the Cavaliers, where several substitutes contributed both offensively and defensively.
Cavaliers’ Bench Standouts
- Sam Merrill: 5 assists and 4 points, steady playmaker
- Thomas Bryant: Efficient scoring with 10 points
- Tyrese Proctor and Craig Porter Jr.: Added final-minute contributions
Hornets’ Bench Highlights
- Josh Green: 10 points with efficient shooting
- Tre Mann: 13 points and one of the best +/- at +12
- Moussa Diabaté: Grabbed 14 rebounds, but struggled with shooting
While Charlotte’s bench brought energy and rebounding, Cleveland’s depth proved more effective in scoring and ball movement.
How Did the Teams Compare in Rebounds, Assists and Turnovers?
Despite losing the game, the Hornets dominated the rebounding battle, collecting 44 total rebounds compared to Cleveland’s 30. Diabaté was a key figure on the boards, grabbing 14 rebounds alone.
Ball Distribution
- Cavaliers had the upper hand with 36 assists, reflecting strong team chemistry.
- Hornets managed 29 assists, with Ball and Miller combining for 12.
Turnovers
- Charlotte committed 19 turnovers, many of which came at critical moments.
- Cleveland had 13 turnovers, but managed to recover better.
While rebounding often reflects hustle, the Cavaliers’ superior passing game and lower turnovers helped them maintain control of the game’s tempo.
What Do the Team Stats Reveal About the Game’s Momentum?
The overall momentum was dictated by shooting efficiency and perimeter defence. Cleveland’s 54.5% three-point shooting created insurmountable pressure on the Hornets, forcing them to chase the game frequently.
While Charlotte had a brief momentum in the second quarter, Cleveland reclaimed dominance in the third and never let go. The Cavaliers were also perfect from the free-throw line, converting all 19 attempts, which prevented the Hornets from closing the gap.
Second Half Observations
- Cavaliers outscored Hornets in crucial 3rd quarter run
- Defensive adjustments limited Ball’s playmaking late in the game
- Fast breaks and 3-point transition plays from Garland and Hunter shifted momentum
These factors highlighted Cleveland’s composure and ability to finish strong in high-pressure moments.
Who Were the Top Scorers and Most Valuable Players?
| Player | Team | Points |
| Donovan Mitchell | Cavaliers | 30 |
| Darius Garland | Cavaliers | 27 |
| De’Andre Hunter | Cavaliers | 27 |
| LaMelo Ball | Hornets | 23 |
| Brandon Miller | Hornets | 20 |
| Kon Knueppel | Hornets | 20 |
MVP of the Match:
Donovan Mitchell: His timely baskets, leadership, and shooting accuracy were pivotal in securing the Cavaliers’ win.
Conclusion
The Cleveland Cavaliers vs Charlotte Hornets matchup on December 22, 2025, was a compelling demonstration of elite-level basketball.
The Cavaliers’ impressive 139-132 victory was powered by excellent shooting, effective ball movement, and clutch performances from stars like Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland.
While the Hornets played valiantly and had standout showings from LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, they fell just short in closing out the game.
With both teams showcasing offensive depth, this matchup sets the stage for future exciting encounters between these Eastern Conference rivals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between the Cavaliers and Hornets?
The final score was 139-132 in favour of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Who was the top scorer in the game?
Donovan Mitchell led all scorers with 30 points.
How many three-pointers did the Cavaliers make?
The Cavaliers made 24 three-pointers, shooting at 54.5% accuracy.
What was LaMelo Ball’s contribution in the match?
LaMelo Ball scored 23 points, made 6 three-pointers, and had 9 assists.
Which team had more rebounds?
Charlotte Hornets had more rebounds with a total of 44 compared to Cleveland’s 30.
How did Darius Garland perform?
Garland had an all-around game with 27 points and 10 assists.
What was the key factor in Cleveland’s win?
Cleveland’s excellent three-point shooting and ball movement were crucial in their victory.
