April 15 - Nick Smith Jr. pumped in 24 points to lead a bunch of backups for the Charlotte Hornets in their season-ending 120-110 victory against host Cleveland on Sunday afternoon, preventing the Cavaliers from having a chance to share the Central Division title.
The Hornets (21-61) were sparked on a late 15-2 burst by Smith, Amari Bailey and JT Thor (20 points), surging to a 117-110 lead with less than two minutes to play. It was the final game for Charlotte coach Steve Clifford, who will move into a front-office role with the organization.
The Cavaliers (48-34), who finished fourth in the Eastern Conference for the playoffs beginning Saturday against the Orlando Magic, entered the day a game behind the Milwaukee Bucks in the division.