Sun Dec 26, 2004 · 8:00 PM
New Orleans HornetsHornets
112
away
Chemistry
Tense
Cleveland CavaliersCavs
118
home
Chemistry
Steady
Box Score
| TEAM | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | FINAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans HornetsHornets | 35 | 23 | 25 | 29 | 112 |
| Cleveland CavaliersCavs | 33 | 24 | 28 | 33 | 118 |
After Action Report
In Cleveland, the Cavaliers outlasted the Hornets 118-112. The tempo dragged the Hornets into a rhythm they couldn't survive. The Cavaliers looked unstoppable — pure Buzzsaw mode; Cavaliers' Run-and-Gun identity dictated the tempo. The Cavaliers locker room is humming, and it showed. Early returns: the Cavaliers per-player utilization choices fit the identity tonight. Style points be damned.
What tipped it
- Cavaliers · Buzzsaw An 8+ game winning streak — they cannot be stopped (until the league catches up).
- Cavaliers · Tight-Knit Locker-room chemistry is humming — extra trust on every possession.
- Hornets · Glass Eaters Crashing the boards generates extra possessions and second-chance buckets.
- Hornets · Crashing An 8+ game losing skid — heads are down, both ends suffer.
- Hornets · Locker-Room Rift Tension in the locker room — poor ball movement and streaky play.