Grayson Allen and Naz Reid Spark Hornets to 124-112 Victory Over Cavaliers

Grayson Allen scored 27 points and Naz Reid delivered a 25-point double-double to lead the Charlotte Hornets past the Cleveland Cavaliers 124-112 on Monday night. Meleek Thomas posted 18 points for Cleveland in a spirited road effort.

The Charlotte Hornets delivered a balanced, high-octane offensive display on Monday night, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 124-112. Grayson Allen and Naz Reid powered the attack from the perimeter and the interior, giving Charlotte a commanding 12-point victory on their home floor.

Cleveland fought tenaciously behind a spirited effort from Meleek Thomas, but the Cavaliers were unable to overcome Charlotte's offensive efficiency and relentless presence on the glass. The contest highlighted Charlotte's depth during this phase of the 2026-27 NBA Regular Season, as multiple contributors stepped up in crucial minutes. Both squads navigated shortened rotations, yet Charlotte consistently found open looks to protect their advantage down the stretch.

The decisive moment

The decisive surge materialized late in the second half when Charlotte tightened up defensively and generated rapid transition opportunities. Reid combined forces with Allen on consecutive possessions, scoring inside before setting up a clean perimeter shot that widened the gap to double digits. Cleveland countered with timely shot-making from Thomas, but Charlotte's poised ball movement snuffed out any late rally.

By the numbers

Grayson Allen: Paced Charlotte with 27 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists while orchestrating the backcourt attack.
Naz Reid: Dominated the frontcourt with 25 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 assists to record an impressive double-double.
Ryan Kalkbrenner: Anchored the paint with 8 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 assists, establishing board control throughout the evening.
Meleek Thomas: Led the scoring effort for Cleveland with 18 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists.
12-Point Margin: Charlotte's 124-112 triumph marked an offensive showcase despite key absences on both rosters.

Reid's towering double-double and Kalkbrenner's 15 rebounds granted the Hornets superior command of interior space, limiting second-chance opportunities for the Cavaliers. Allen's sharp playmaking kept Cleveland's perimeter defenders off balance throughout the second half, allowing Charlotte to control the scoreboard pace.

What it means

This victory reinforces Charlotte's rotation stability and shows they can thrive even when missing key contributors such as Grant Williams, Kon Knueppel, and Moussa Diabate. Managing to tally 124 points against a disciplined opponent demonstrates that their offensive structure is clicking at an opportune juncture. For Cleveland, who competed without Jaylon Tyson, Sam Merrill, and Khalifa Diop, the 112-point output offers positive glimpses, yet defensive adjustments will be essential as the schedule intensifies.

What to watch next

Charlotte will look to build on this sharp offensive rhythm and carry the interior dominance displayed by Reid and Kalkbrenner into their upcoming matchups. Meanwhile, Cleveland must focus on tightening up their defensive rotations and getting healthier across their perimeter corps to bounce back.