NBA Reveals Incorrect Call in Cavaliers-Hornets Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Feb 21, 2026 6:58 PM ET

The Cleveland Cavaliers took down the Charlotte Hornets 118-113 in their showdown at Spectrum Center on Friday. Donovan Mitchell led the way for the Cavs in the win, finishing with 32 points on 9-of-22 shooting, along with three rebounds, four assists and two steals.

Big man Jarrett Allen was also phenomenal in the contest, recording a monster double-double of 26 points and 14 rebounds, along with two assists and a block.

James Harden, who was traded to Cleveland prior to the Feb. 5 deadline, added 18 points and eight dimes as the Cavs secured their seventh straight win.

Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel led all players in scoring with 33 points, along with six rebounds, two assists and one steal. LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller scored 18 points each, but they both shot under 32% from the field.

While the game was a bit close, an officiating mistake toward the end of the game helped the Hornets slightly.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) looks on during a game.© Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

According to the NBA's Last 2 Minute Report, an incorrect call was made on Mitchell with 1:28 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Mitchell was called for a foul while guarding Knueppel. With the Cavs in the penalty situation, it resulted in two free throws, which the Hornets guard made to cut Cleveland's lead and make it a 112-105 game.

The NBA's review, however, revealed that no foul should have been called since Mitchell did not affect Knueppel's shot attempt. For what it's worth, the Cavs superstar himself was surprised by the call and quickly looked at the referee to express his shock, although he did not complain.

"Mitchell (CLE) briefly has a hand placed against Knueppel's (CHA) body, which he removes without affecting Knueppel's shot attempt," the NBA commented on the play.

The good news is that it didn't affect the result of the game significantly, with Cleveland coming out on top and improving to 36-21 on the season with the win. They are currently third in the East. Had it been a closer game, though, it could have been disastrous for the Cavs.

As for the Hornets, they dropped to 26-31 on the season, good for ninth in the Eastern Conference. They have now lost two straight games following an incredible 11-game run that saw them go 10-1.

The Cavaliers return to action on Sunday against the Oklahoma City Thunder, while the Hornets also play on the same day against the Washington Wizards.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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