Donovan Mitchell delivered a crucial performance in the final quarter, scoring 13 of his 32 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers narrowly defeated the Charlotte Hornets 118-113 on Friday night. This win marked Cleveland’s seventh consecutive victory and their 12th in the last 13 games, extending their remarkable run this season.
Supporting Mitchell’s effort, Jared Allen contributed 25 points and 14 rebounds, while James Harden added 18 points along with eight assists. Despite a strong challenge from Charlotte, the Cavaliers managed to maintain control late in the game, holding a significant advantage in the paint with a 50-28 margin.
Hornets’ Rookie Kon Knuoppel Shines Despite Team’s Setback
Charlotte’s rookie Kon Knuoppel stood out by scoring 33 points, including seven three-pointers, bringing his total to 193 made threes this season—second only to Keegan Murray’s rookie record of 206 set last year. LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller each added 18 points, while rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner recorded a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds.
The Hornets have struggled recently, losing three of their last four games after a nine-game winning streak. In the closing moments, Miller’s and-one layup trimmed Cleveland’s lead to four with just one minute remaining. However, Mitchell’s short jumper followed by four free throws in the final 40 seconds secured Cleveland’s victory.
Denver Nuggets Set New Team Road Scoring Mark in Rout of Portland
The Denver Nuggets dominated the Portland Trail Blazers 157-103, setting a franchise record for most points scored on the road as well as the highest-scoring NBA road game this season. Nikola Jokic led Denver with 32 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, playing just under 30 minutes.
Jamal Murray added 25 points, overcoming the disappointment of a missed free throw in their previous game. Julian Strawther and Tim Hardaway Jr. each contributed 19 points. Denver established control early, leading 82-53 at halftime and extending the lead to 55 points in the second half, including an efficient 13-of-22 shooting from beyond the arc.
Portland’s Jrue Holiday led his team with 19 points, and Deni Avdija posted a near triple-double with 15 points, 13 assists, and seven rebounds, but turnovers hindered the Blazers’ effort. The Broncos’ overwhelming offense reflected their confident form heading into upcoming matches.
Doncic and Reaves Drive Lakers Past Clippers in Tight Finish
Luka Doncic delivered an impressive 38 points along with 11 assists, supported by Austin Reaves’ 29 points, to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a narrow 125-122 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. The win allowed the Lakers to split their season series against their crosstown rivals following the All-Star break.
LeBron James contributed a double-double with 13 points and 11 assists, while the Lakers overcame a 15-point second-half deficit. Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 31 points but left the game early due to what appeared to be an ankle injury. Bennedict Mathurin also played well for the Clippers, tallying 26 points and seven rebounds before fouling out late in the contest.
Late-Game Tension Decides Outcome in Rivalry Matchup
In the final minute, Derrick Jones Jr. scored twice to bring the Lakers’ lead to 123-120 with 46 seconds remaining. Nicolas Batum then intercepted a pass from James but missed a critical three-point attempt with four seconds left, allowing Los Angeles to hold on for the win. The tightly contested ending highlighted the intensity of this rivalry game and set the stage for future encounters between the teams.
Implications for Teams Moving Forward
The Cavaliers continue to build momentum as Mitchell’s leadership remains a vital catalyst for their success, providing hope for fans as they push deeper into the season. Meanwhile, the Hornets face challenges but are counting on their young core, including Knuoppel and Ball, to rebound from this setback.
The Nuggets’ record-setting performance signals a team in dominant form, positioning them as strong contenders, while the Lakers showed resilience overcoming a strong Clippers squad despite key injuries. Each team’s current trajectory suggests competitive battles ahead, with star players like Mitchell, Jokic, Doncic, and Ball expected to influence the outcomes.
You already know… 7 Wins in a row #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/YNJfjWwOgk
— Dennis Schröder, Guard, Cleveland Cavaliers
Whole lotta points pic.twitter.com/Ch0wjb0oMo
— Denver Nuggets Official Twitter
Big nights from Luka and Austin pic.twitter.com/ltb45dRN39
— Los Angeles Lakers Official Twitter
You already know… 7 Wins in a row 💯 #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/YNJfjWwOgk
— Dennis Schröder (@DS17_FG) February 21, 2026
Whole lotta points 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/Ch0wjb0oMo
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) February 21, 2026
Big nights from Luka and Austin 💪 pic.twitter.com/ltb45dRN39
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 21, 2026
