Cleveland Cavaliers become just fourth team in NBA history to start a season 15-0, plus more from Sunday’s action

The Cleveland Cavaliers made NBA history on Sunday night, becoming just the fourth team ever to start a season 15-0 after defeating the Charlotte Hornets 128-114. The Cavs overcame an early 5-4 deficit to build a commanding lead, which they maintained for the remainder of the game. Charlotte did manage to cut the lead to three by the end of the third quarter, but Cleveland surged ahead once more in the final period to secure their 15th consecutive win, extending their franchise record.

This victory ties Cleveland for the second-best start in NBA history, behind only the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors, who went 24-0 and finished the season with a league-record 73-9 record. The only other teams to start a season 15-0 were the 1993-94 Houston Rockets and the 1948-49 Washington Capitols, according to ESPN.

After the game, Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen expressed the team’s gratitude for their fans, saying, “Everybody is showing tons of energy, all over the city of Cleveland. It’s incredible how Cleveland has adopted us. They come to every game, yelling for everything. The city of Cleveland has our backs like that.”

The Cavaliers managed the win despite being without their star player, Donovan Mitchell, who was given the night off. In his absence, the team’s balanced scoring effort was led by Darius Garland, who posted 25 points and 12 assists. Ty Jerome added 24 points and 8 assists, while Evan Mobley had 23 points and 11 rebounds. Allen himself contributed with 21 points and 15 rebounds.

The Cavaliers will next face the Boston Celtics, the defending NBA champions and the team that eliminated Cleveland in last season’s Eastern Conference semifinals. Allen spoke about the upcoming challenge, calling it a “rematch” and emphasizing the importance of the game: “We’ve always wanted to test ourselves against the best,” he said. “We’ve always wanted to see where we stand with the best teams in the league.”

In a notable individual achievement, LaMelo Ball scored a game-high 31 points for the Hornets, adding 12 assists. However, the night ended with controversy as Ball was fined $100,000 by the NBA for using “offensive and derogatory” language during his post-game interview.

James Harden Moves Up NBA’s All-Time Three-Point List

In other NBA action, Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden made history by passing Ray Allen to move into second place on the NBA’s all-time three-pointers list during a 116-105 victory over the Utah Jazz. Harden, who entered the game tied with Allen, surpassed the Hall of Famer with a three-pointer in the first quarter. He finished the game with 20 points, six rebounds, 11 assists, two steals, and two blocks.

Harden now trails only Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, who holds the career record with 3,782 made three-pointers. After the game, Harden reflected on the achievement, saying, “It’s an unbelievable accomplishment and just a testament to the amount of work that I’ve been putting in. As I get older and just chip away at an unbelievable career, you start to accomplish things like that, so I don’t ever want to take it for granted.”

Harden’s career has seen him become one of the most dynamic scorers in NBA history, particularly during his time with the Houston Rockets, where he set numerous records. His time with the Rockets also included winning the MVP award in 2018. Harden has since played for the Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, and now the Clippers.

Julius Randle Hits Game-Winner in Timberwolves’ Comeback Victory

In a thrilling finish, Julius Randle hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer to cap off a dramatic 120-117 comeback victory for the Minnesota Timberwolves over the Phoenix Suns. Phoenix had led by as much as 11 points in the fourth quarter, but Minnesota surged back after a timeout, with Anthony Edwards making a key bank shot to give the Timberwolves their first lead of the game with 1:09 left.

The scores were tied at 117 when Randle received the inbound pass and hit a side-step three-pointer as time expired. The shot sent the home crowd into a frenzy, and Randle was mobbed by his teammates. The former New York Knicks star finished the game with a team-high 35 points, which also marked a season-high for him. Edwards added 24 points, four rebounds, and six assists.

For Phoenix, Devin Booker had a season-high 44 points, though the Suns were without injured stars Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.

Other NBA Results from Sunday

• Miami Heat 110-119 Indiana Pacers
• Detroit Pistons 124-104 Washington Wizards
• Denver Nuggets 90-105 Memphis Grizzlies
• Atlanta Hawks 110-114 Portland Trail Blazers
• Brooklyn Nets 104-114 New York Knicks
• Houston Rockets 143-107 Chicago Bulls
• Dallas Mavericks 121-119 Oklahoma City Thunder

Sunday’s action continued to highlight the exciting storylines and individual achievements that have marked the early stages of the NBA season. With Cleveland’s historic start, Harden’s climb up the all-time three-point list, and Randle’s clutch performance, fans were treated to a day full of memorable moments.