Cavaliers Halt Skid with Win Over Hornets, But Underlying Issues Linger

The Cleveland Cavaliers snapped a three-game losing streak Monday night. They defeated the Charlotte Hornets 112-102 at home. The victory came amid growing scrutiny of the team’s early-season performance. It provided a temporary respite for Coach Kenny Atkinson and his squad.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the basket against Charlotte Hornets forward Taj Gibson, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Friday, March 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

The win moves Cleveland to a 17-14 record. They currently sit seventh in the Eastern Conference standings. According to league data, their recent 3-8 skid had fueled frustration among fans and analysts alike.

Injury Woes and Inconsistency Plague Promising Roster

Health has been a major obstacle for the Cavaliers. The team has used 16 different starting lineups this season. Core players like Evan Mobley and Max Strus have missed significant time.

Star guard Donovan Mitchell has carried a heavy load. He is averaging a career-high 30.7 points per game. The team’s record heavily depends on his offensive output, a concerning trend for sustainability.

Darius Garland’s return from toe surgery has been slow. His on-court impact has been negative this season, per analytics site Cleaning the Glass. The team’s three-point shooting, while frequent, is among the league’s least efficient.

Atkinson’s Seat Warms Amid High Expectations

The slow start has intensified pressure on Coach Kenny Atkinson. He was the NBA’s Coach of the Year last season after a 64-win campaign. The current performance is a stark contrast to that dominant run.

Team owner Dan Gilbert is reportedly displeased with the situation. The Cavaliers boast the league’s most expensive roster. This investment raises the stakes for immediate success and playoff advancement.

Atkinson has acknowledged the challenges. He recently sought advice from Cleveland baseball coaches on managing adversity. The organization has shown no indication of a coaching change, but patience may be wearing thin.

Monday’s win offered a blueprint for success. A healthier and more confident Cavaliers team can still compete. However, fixing their Cleveland Cavaliers issues requires more than one victory against a struggling opponent.

Thought you’d like to know

Q1: Are the Cleveland Cavaliers in playoff contention?

Yes. Despite their struggles, they hold the 7th seed in the East. They remain within a few games of the conference’s top spots, keeping playoff hopes very much alive.

Q2: What is the main reason for the Cavs’ slump?

Injuries are the primary cause. The team’s core four players have barely shared the court. This has disrupted chemistry and consistency on both ends of the floor.

Q3: Is Donovan Mitchell playing well?

Mitchell is having a career year statistically. His scoring average is elite. The team’s reliance on his heroics, however, highlights a lack of reliable secondary options during this stretch.

Q4: Could Kenny Atkinson be fired?

It is considered a panic move at this stage. There are no concrete reports of an imminent change. The organization is likely evaluating the roster’s health before any major decisions.

Q5: What needs to improve most for Cleveland?

Three-point efficiency and consistent guard play are critical. The team takes many threes but makes very few. Darius Garland returning to his All-Star form would solve many offensive issues.

Trusted Sources

This report was constructed using verified information from authoritative sports news outlets and official league data.