Nick Smith Jr. pumped in 24 points to lead a bunch of backups for the Charlotte Hornets in their season-ending 120-110 victory against host Cleveland on Sunday afternoon, preventing the Cavaliers from having a chance to share the Central Division title.
The Hornets (21-61) were sparked on a late 15-2 burst by Smith, Amari Bailey and JT Thor (20 points), surging to a 117-110 lead with less than two minutes to play. It was the final game for Charlotte coach Steve Clifford, who’ll move into a front-office role with the organization.
The Cavaliers (48-34), who clinched at least a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference for the playoffs Friday night, entered the day a game behind the Milwaukee Bucks in the division. They used a largely makeshift lineup and had reduced minutes for several players who were on the court.
Charlotte’s Bryce McGowens added 18 points, Marques Bolden poured in 14 points and Tre Mann, Bailey and Leaky Black all had 11 points. Thor grabbed 10 rebounds.
Georges Niang scored 16 points off the Cleveland bench, while teammates Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen and Max Strus all finished with 14 points. Isaiah Mobley had 11 points.
Team scoring leaders Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, along with Caris LeVert, didn’t play for the Cavaliers.
The Cavaliers were hurt by 14 turnovers, while Charlotte posted a 37-31 rebounding advantage — a rare boost for a Hornets team that has struggled on the boards for most of the past few months.
The Hornets were behind 103-90 with 10 minutes remaining. Cleveland scored only two points in the final 6 1/2 minutes.
The Cavaliers finished 16-for-33 shooting on 3-pointers, but Charlotte’s 19 baskets from beyond the arc made a big difference.
Smith made six 3s, while Thor and Mann both drained three 3-pointers.
The Hornets trailed by 12 points before pulling within 58-57 at the half.
Charlotte made 11 shots from 3-point range in the first half, with eight players with at least one 3.
The Hornets played without recent scoring leaders Miles Bridges, Brandon Miller and Grant Williams, all listed with injuries.
–Field Level Media
