Hornets Edge Cavaliers in Overtime Thriller
Sunday, December 14, 2025, 3:30 PM ET · Rocket Arena
Charlotte Hornets 119, Cleveland Cavaliers 111, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Charlotte Hornets vs Cleveland Cavaliers?
Charlotte Hornets beat Cleveland Cavaliers 119-111 at Rocket Arena on December 14, 2025.
Who was favored in Charlotte Hornets vs Cleveland Cavaliers?
Cleveland Cavaliers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -625 (about 86% implied). The underdog won.
In a gripping overtime battle, the Charlotte Hornets triumphed over the Cleveland Cavaliers with a final score of 119-111 at Rocket Arena on December 14, 2025. This victory marks the Hornets' first win of the season against the Cavaliers, taking a 1-0 lead in their series. The Hornets, who have struggled this season with an 8-18 record, managed to secure a much-needed win against a Cavaliers team that has shown more promise with a 15-12 record.
The Cavaliers entered the game with a mixed recent form, having a record of 5-5 in their last ten games, and they were riding a one-game winning streak after defeating the Washington Wizards 130-126 the previous day. They averaged 117.6 points scored while allowing 115.4 points during this stretch. At home, their record stood at 3-3, while they were 2-2 in away games in their last ten.
In contrast, the Hornets had a tougher time, posting a 3-7 record in their last ten games and currently on a two-game losing streak. Their average points scored in this period was 111.8, with an average of 116.5 points allowed. They struggled particularly in away games, holding a record of 1-3 in their last four.
The Cavaliers had previously dominated the matchup against the Hornets, winning all four encounters in the current season, including a close 118-117 victory earlier in March. However, the Hornets turned the tables in this latest meeting, showcasing resilience and determination.
In terms of injuries, the Hornets had two players listed as day-to-day: Brandon Miller, dealing with a shoulder issue, and PJ Hall, who has an ankle problem. Their statuses were crucial as both players contributed significantly to the team's performance.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Cavaliers favored by 11.5 points, with a total set at 232.5. The odds reflected a strong belief in the Cavaliers' ability to win, but the Hornets' performance defied expectations.
The game conditions were competitive, with both teams displaying high energy and intensity. The scoring plays highlighted key moments, especially in the fourth quarter when Brandon Miller hit a critical 31-foot three-pointer to tie the game at 111, forcing overtime. In the overtime period, Miller continued to shine, scoring crucial free throws that helped the Hornets pull ahead.
As the game progressed, the Cavaliers struggled to maintain their composure, allowing the Hornets to capitalize on their mistakes. The final moments saw the Hornets extend their lead through free throws from Tidjane Salaun and Kon Knueppel, sealing their victory.
This game serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the NBA, where even teams with struggling records can rise to the occasion and deliver surprising outcomes.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | CLE -11.5 | 232.5 o -112 / u -108 | Charlotte Hornets +455 · Cleveland Cavaliers -625 |
Injury report
- Brandon MillerDay-To-DayShoulderCharlotte Hornets
- PJ HallDay-To-DayAnkleCharlotte Hornets
Leaders
- PointsDarius Garland26Cleveland Cavaliers
- AssistsDarius Garland9Cleveland Cavaliers
- ReboundsJaylon Tyson13Cleveland Cavaliers
- PointsKon Knueppel29Charlotte Hornets
- AssistsBrandon Miller6Charlotte Hornets
- ReboundsBrandon Miller13Charlotte Hornets
Recent form
Cleveland Cavaliers
Last 10: 5-5Streak W1117.6 scored · 115.4 allowed per game3-3 at home
- W130-126at Washington WizardsDec 13
- L94-99vs Golden State WarriorsDec 7
- W130-117vs San Antonio SpursDec 6
- L110-122vs Portland Trail BlazersDec 4
- W135-119at Indiana PacersDec 2
- L115-117vs Boston CelticsNov 30
- L123-130at Atlanta HawksNov 29
- L99-110at Toronto RaptorsNov 25
- W120-105vs LA ClippersNov 23
- W120-109vs Indiana PacersNov 22
Charlotte Hornets
Last 10: 3-7Streak L2111.8 scored · 116.5 allowed per game1-3 away
- L126-129vs Chicago BullsDec 13
- L106-115vs Denver NuggetsDec 7
- W111-86at Toronto RaptorsDec 6
- L104-119at New York KnicksDec 4
- L103-116at Brooklyn NetsDec 2
- W118-111vs Toronto RaptorsNov 29
- W123-116vs Chicago BullsNov 29
- L101-129vs New York KnicksNov 27
- L110-113at Atlanta HawksNov 23
- L116-131vs LA ClippersNov 22
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | - | 36 | L1 | .561 | 46 |
| Orlando | 1 | 37 | L1 | .549 | 45 |
| Charlotte | 2 | 38 | W1 | .537 | 44 |
| Miami | 3 | 39 | W2 | .524 | 43 |
| Washington | 29 | 65 | L10 | .207 | 17 |
| Detroit | - | 22 | W3 | .732 | 60 |
| Cleveland | 8 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| Milwaukee | 28 | 50 | L1 | .390 | 32 |
| Chicago | 29 | 51 | L2 | .378 | 31 |
| Indiana | 41 | 63 | L2 | .232 | 19 |
Box score
| Stat | Charlotte Hornets | Cleveland Cavaliers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 43-98 | 38-95 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 40 |
| Three-pointers | 17-44 | 12-38 |
| Three-point % | 39 | 32 |
| Free throws | 16-21 | 23-29 |
| Free throw % | 76 | 79 |
| Rebounds | 53 | 46 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 41 | 33 |
| Assists | 28 | 27 |
| Steals | 9 | 10 |
| Blocks | 7 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 16 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 18 | 26 |
| Fast-break points | 14 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 50 | 50 |
| Fouls | 26 | 24 |
| Largest lead | 17 | 5 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 88 | 5 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter88-76Moussa Diabate makes 1-foot dunk
- 3rd Quarter88-79Thomas Bryant makes 22-foot three point jumper (Lonzo Ball assists)
- 4th Quarter88-81Thomas Bryant makes 1-foot dunk (Tyrese Proctor assists)
- 4th Quarter88-84Darius Garland makes 29-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter90-84Moussa Diabate makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter91-84Moussa Diabate makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter93-84Kon Knueppel makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter93-85De'Andre Hunter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter93-86De'Andre Hunter makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter93-88Lonzo Ball makes 1-foot two point shot (Tyrese Proctor assists)
- 4th Quarter96-88Brandon Miller makes 28-foot three point jumper (KJ Simpson assists)
- 4th Quarter96-90Dean Wade makes 1-foot layup (Darius Garland assists)
- 4th Quarter96-92Darius Garland makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter97-92Brandon Miller makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter98-92Brandon Miller makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter98-94Jarrett Allen makes 1-foot layup (Donovan Mitchell assists)
- 4th Quarter98-96Donovan Mitchell makes 1-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter98-99Dean Wade makes 25-foot three point jumper (Donovan Mitchell assists)
- 4th Quarter101-99Brandon Miller makes 25-foot three point jumper (Tidjane Salaun assists)
- 4th Quarter102-99Ryan Kalkbrenner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter102-101Darius Garland makes 8-foot driving floating jump shot (Donovan Mitchell assists)
- 4th Quarter104-101Kon Knueppel makes 7-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter104-103Darius Garland makes 7-foot driving floating jump shot (Dean Wade assists)
- 4th Quarter105-103Kon Knueppel makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter106-103Kon Knueppel makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter106-104Darius Garland makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter106-105Darius Garland makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter108-105Kon Knueppel makes 7-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter108-107Dean Wade makes 1-foot layup (Darius Garland assists)
- 4th Quarter108-109Jaylon Tyson makes 4-foot driving floating jump shot (Darius Garland assists)
- 4th Quarter108-110Jaylon Tyson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter108-111Jaylon Tyson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter111-111Brandon Miller makes 31-foot three pointer (Sion James assists)
- OT112-111Brandon Miller makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT113-111Brandon Miller makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT115-111Miles Bridges makes driving layup
- OT116-111Tidjane Salaun makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT117-111Tidjane Salaun makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT118-111Kon Knueppel makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT119-111Kon Knueppel makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Cleveland Cavaliers, below favours Charlotte Hornets.
Venue
- Rocket ArenaCleveland, OH
- Attendance19432
- OfficialsRodney Mott, Michael Smith, Nick Buchert
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