(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH -- Terry Rozier, a Youngstown native and starting point guard for the Charlotte Hornets, played in front of family members and friends as he put on a show. The 5th year guard out of Louisville led all scorers with 30 points, while shooting an efficient 50% from the field. With the game tied at 103 and the clock winding down, Devonte' Graham hit a 30-foot three pointer to give the Hornets a 3-point lead with 23 seconds remaining in the game. On the following possession, Collin Sexton dribbled around the perimeter aimlessly, before driving to the hoop and tossing up a contested runner off the back of the rim, as the Hornets closed out the Cavaliers by the final score of 109-106.
Charlotte second-year guard Devonte Graham was calm and collected for all four quarters, dropping 11 dimes through the first 3 quarters, before taking over the fourth quarter with his scoring ability. Graham finished the game with a double double, scoring 16 points and chipping in 11 assists. Dwayne Bacon provided a needed spark off the Hornets bench to propel them back into the game, lighting up the Cavaliers for 15 points on only 9 shot attempts.
The Cavaliers are continuing to learn how to close out games, as they led the Hornets by 9 points with 5:31 to go in the game, before giving up an 8-0 run to the pesky Hornets. Collin Sexton was given a second chance to tie the game in the closing seconds, tossing up a deep 3 that rattled out. The 'Young Bull' led the Cavs in scoring with 21 points, with Kevin Love right behind him scoring 18 points. Cedi Osman was extremely efficient for the Cleveland Cavaliers, missing only one shot on his way to 17 points. Cleveland big man John Henson was the go-to guy off the bench on Thursday night, scoring 10 points and pulling in 6 rebounds.
The Cavaliers will continue their homestand on Saturday when they will host the Oklahoma City Thunder. Tip-off is set for 7:30 pm ET on Saturday evening at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. Check out highlights from tonight's game below!