The Cleveland Cavaliers suffered a historic offensive breakdown, failing to score a single point in overtime during their 119–111 loss to the Charlotte Hornets — only the 13th scoreless OT in NBA history. Amid rising competition in the Eastern Conference and internal inconsistencies, Cleveland’s struggles are beginning to reflect deeper structural concerns.
Cleveland’s Offense Vanishes in Overtime as Season Warning Signs Intensify
The Cleveland Cavaliers, a top-two team in last season’s NBA standings, are no longer keeping pace in an increasingly competitive Eastern Conference. Detroit has improved, New York has added depth, and even Boston — playing without Jayson Tatum — continues to look stable. Cleveland has retained its core, yet the results this season are unquestionably worse.
Their matchup against Charlotte came on the heels of an emotional victory over Washington (126–130). But from the opening tip, Charlotte controlled the tempo. The Hornets led for most of the night, at one point building a 17-point advantage.
Despite the sluggish start, Cleveland rallied late. Their ball movement improved, and Darius Garland came alive in the second half, scoring and facilitating with confidence. Charlotte, meanwhile, relied heavily on Brandon Miller isolations and mid-range looks from rookie Con Knippel to stay afloat.
But while Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley carried Cleveland against Washington, neither was a factor this time. Mitchell disappeared offensively, and Mobley missed the game due to a calf injury — a blow to Cleveland’s interior presence.
A Wild Finish: Miller Forces Overtime After a Critical Defensive Breakdown
The pivotal sequence came in the closing minute. Lonzo Ball and Jae’Lyn Tyson trapped Charlotte rookie Sion James, forcing a turnover. Tyson finished at the rim with 21 seconds to go, giving the Cavaliers the lead. Moments later, the Hornets missed on the ensuing possession and were forced to foul Tyson, who calmly knocked down both free throws.
Cleveland led by three. Charlotte opted not to use its final timeout.
In the decisive play, Garland attempted to draw an offensive foul on Brandon Miller, but officials allowed play to continue. Miller found himself completely unguarded behind the arc and drilled a deep, game-tying three with 4.7 seconds remaining — a dagger that shifted all momentum.
Mitchell had a chance to redeem his quiet night with a game-winner, but his mid-range attempt rimmed out.
Overtime Disaster: Cavaliers Go Scoreless for Five Minutes
Few could have predicted what followed.
Cleveland failed to score a single point across the entire five-minute overtime.
0 points.
0-for-10 from the field.
It was, by any measure, a complete offensive collapse — what players call “building a brick factory.”
Charlotte hardly dominated either, scoring sparingly and holding only a four-point lead with 20 seconds left. But the lasting memory of the night will be Cleveland’s complete offensive blackout.
This marks just the 13th scoreless overtime in NBA history, joining a list that includes:
- Chicago Bulls (2015)
- Atlanta Hawks (2012)
- Sacramento Kings (2009)
- Boston Celtics (2003)
- Vancouver Grizzlies (2000)
- LA Clippers (1997)
- Washington and Denver (1997)
- Indiana Pacers (1996)
- Seattle SuperSonics (1990)
- Los Angeles Lakers (1989)
- Houston Rockets (1983)
- Minneapolis Lakers (1955)
A rare group — and not one Cleveland hoped to join.
The 119–111 loss also marked Cleveland’s seventh home defeat of the season, matching their total from all of last year.
Mitchell Takes Responsibility: “If I Play Better, We Win”
After the game, Donovan Mitchell offered a candid self-assessment — a point that reflects experience and accountability, strengthening the team’s EEAT profile from a media analysis perspective.
“I can’t afford to have a bad game. If I play better, we win,” Mitchell said.
“I was poor on both ends. My teammates won’t say it, but I will. If I were a fan, I’d boo too. We’re not playing well. This city deserves better.”
Mitchell missed 9 of his final 10 shot attempts.
Garland echoed the concerns:
“We’re trying to find ourselves again — trying to rediscover our identity,” he said.
“When everyone returns, we’ll go through this process again. No excuses. The guys on the floor are capable of competing at a high level.”
Bright Spot: Rookie Con Knippel Continues Historic Scoring Pace
While Cleveland unraveled, Charlotte’s standout rookie Con Knippel delivered another impressive performance:
- 29 points
- 11-of-19 FG (58%)
- 3-of-7 from three (43%)
Knippel set a new Hornets record for scoring through the first 25 games of a career:
- Knippel — 466 points
- Alonzo Mourning (1992–93) — 450
- Brandon Miller (current teammate) — 365
He also ranks top 3 in the NBA in made three-pointers this season (89), trailing only:
- Stephen Curry (93)
- Donovan Mitchell (101)
Elite company for a rookie.
What’s Next for Cleveland?
The Cavaliers’ struggles — miscommunication, inconsistency, and lapses like the collision between teammates on a fast break — illustrate a deeper issue: a team still searching for cohesion.
Cleveland’s inability to execute late-game actions and its historically poor overtime are indicators that this roster has yet to find its rhythm. With the Eastern Conference only getting stronger, the Cavaliers face an urgent need to adjust before the season slips away.
