Cavaliers edge Hornets at Spectrum Center as Knueppel’s 33 points keep Charlotte close late

Game result and flow

The Charlotte Hornets lost at home to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, as Cleveland held off a late push at Spectrum Center. Cleveland’s win came after the Hornets won the second and third quarters to erase an early deficit, setting up a tight finish.

Quarter-by-quarter, Cleveland led 30–20 after the first, but Charlotte answered with a 33–29 second quarter and a 36–31 third quarter to take a 89–90 deficit into the fourth. Cleveland won the final period 24–21 to secure the road victory.

Key performances

Cleveland’s scoring balance was led by Donovan Mitchell, who finished with 28 points, four assists and three steals. Jarrett Allen added 26 points on 11-for-15 shooting with 13 rebounds, giving Cleveland a consistent interior option throughout the night. James Harden recorded 18 points and eight assists, while Sam Merrill scored 10 points in 24 minutes.

For Charlotte, Kon Knueppel delivered a game-high 33 points, hitting seven 3-pointers (7-for-15) and adding six rebounds. Brandon Miller scored 15 points with five assists. LaMelo Ball had 18 points and five assists but shot 4-for-16 from the field (2-for-9 from three), while center Ryan Kalkbrenner posted 12 points and 13 rebounds.

Team statistical context

• Charlotte attempted 90 shots to Cleveland’s 77, reflecting a possession edge driven by offensive rebounds and volume from three-point range.
• Cleveland shot 41-for-77 overall (53%) compared with Charlotte’s 35-for-90 (39%), a gap that helped offset Charlotte’s higher attempt total.
• Charlotte went 19-for-54 from three (35%), while Cleveland hit 10-for-21 (48%), with Cleveland’s efficiency from deep proving significant in a game decided late.
• At the foul line, Charlotte finished 21-for-22 (95%) and Cleveland 22-for-24 (92%).

What decided the finish

Charlotte remained within one possession in the closing minute as Knueppel and Miller provided late scoring. Cleveland’s closing execution centered on Mitchell’s shot-making and free throws, while Allen’s rebounding helped close out defensive possessions. The Cavaliers’ stronger overall shooting efficiency ultimately proved decisive despite Charlotte’s advantages in total attempts and three-point volume.

Next steps: Charlotte continues its homestand schedule after the loss, while Cleveland moves forward with another road win in the Eastern Conference race.