Cleveland (dpa) – The Cleveland Cavaliers also won the 15th game of the season in the NBA and extended their impressive series at the start. The score against the Charlotte Hornets was 128:114. The Cavaliers are the first team since the Golden State Warriors in 2016 and only the fourth team in NBA history to win the first 15 games of a season. The Warriors set the record eight years ago with 24 wins at the start. Against the Hornets, the Cavaliers were even without their star player Donovan Mitchell, who was rested.
The Cavaliers are at the top of the Eastern Conference by a large margin. The Boston Celtics follow in second place, ahead of the Orlando Magic and the New York Knicks. The Knicks also won the second city duel with the Brooklyn Nets around national team captain Dennis Schröder. Two days after the 124:122 there was a 114:104 on Sunday. With eight points, Schröder fell short of his expectations. The best thrower of the evening was Karl-Anthony Towns with 26 points for the Knicks, who were without the German Ariel Hukporti.
Mavericks win against OKC without Doncic
In the Western Conference, the Dallas Mavericks, even without the injured Luka Doncic, caused the Oklahoma City Thunder to suffer only their third defeat of the season. The 121:119 was a dominant affair for long stretches, only in the final minute did the lead shrink significantly. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the most successful professional with 36 points, while Doncic replacement PJ Washington impressed for the Mavericks with 27 points and 17 rebounds. Kyrie Irving had 23 points, Maxi Kleber scored two points for Dallas.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:241118-930-291665/1