Knueppel Leads Hornets Past Cavaliers in Overtime with 29-Point Display

Key Takeaways:

• Kon Knueppel recorded 29 points on Sunday as Charlotte won 119-111 in overtime away at Cleveland
• The Hornets prevented the Cavaliers from scoring in overtime, with Cleveland missing all 10 field goal attempts
• Charlotte improved to a 3-10 road record while Cleveland dropped six of their last nine games

Match Analysis: Hornets Secure Rare Away Win

On Sunday, the Charlotte Hornets claimed a hard-fought 119-111 overtime victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers, marking just their third win in 13 away fixtures this season. Rookie Kon Knueppel spearheaded Charlotte’s efforts, delivering a 29-point performance just two days after posting a season-high 33 in a defeat to the Chicago Bulls. Brandon Miller made a significant impact as well, registering 25 points along with a career-best 13 rebounds and six assists.

Miles Bridges contributed a double-double, finishing with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. The Hornets demonstrated resilience throughout, holding Cleveland scoreless for the entirety of overtime, as the Cavaliers failed to convert any of their 10 field goal attempts in the period.

😄😤😄😤😄 —#HiveMentality pic.twitter.com/yHSblY9UiN

— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) December 14, 2025

Cavaliers’ Inconsistencies Continue

Darius Garland led the way for the Cavaliers with 26 points, while Donovan Mitchell added 17. Jaylon Tyson delivered with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Despite trailing by 17 points during the third quarter, Cleveland rallied to force overtime, tying the game in the dying moments of regulation. However, a 12-foot jumper from Mitchell at the buzzer failed to go down, and Cleveland’s struggles resurfaced in overtime.

The Cavaliers, a team tipped as Eastern Conference contenders, have now dropped six of their last nine outings. Injuries have disrupted their campaign, with Evan Mobley absent due to a strained left calf – a setback expected to sideline last season’s Defensive Player of the Year for up to a month.

Despite these setbacks, head coach Kenny Atkinson expressed continued confidence before tip-off, stating, “the sky isn’t falling. We’re going to be all right.”

Shorthanded Hornets Take Advantage

The Hornets themselves were depleted in the backcourt, missing LaMelo Ball, Collin Sexton, and Tre Mann due to injuries. Nonetheless, outstanding efforts from Knueppel, Miller, and Bridges proved decisive in a contest where Charlotte shut out their opponents in the extra session.

What’s Next

• The Hornets will host Atlanta on Thursday night
• The Cavaliers will travel to Chicago for their next outing on Wednesday night