Cavs center Thomas Bryant thought he had the rookie, until he didn’t.

PublishedDecember 22, 2025 9:56 PM EST•UpdatedDecember 23, 2025 12:45 AM EST

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Cleveland Cavaliers center Thomas Bryant learned the hard way that karma moves quicker than Donovan Mitchell in transition.

Bryant was on the wrong side of a replay after backing down Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel for a hook shot. 

The journeyman center couldn’t resist an over-the-top celebration … so Bryant flexed his way downcourt, hitting the “too small” gesture at the 20-year-old. Then, gravity struck. Hard.

Bryant tripped over thin air, barrel-rolling across the hardwood as he ran back on defense. The Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse crowd went from cheers to raspberries … with the tumbling Bryant looking very small on the floor.

WATCH:

There’s no question Bryant wishes he were riding the same high that Kon has all season. 

The rook is leading the Rookie of the Year race, averaging 19.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists. While Bryant celebrated his layup against a smaller defender, Knueppel celebrated his 100th made three-point shot in just 29 games. 

Social media roasted the big man for celebrating too early. “Ball don’t lie is undefeated. Don’t disrespect the opponent when you’re ‘Thomas Bryant,’” one fan posted on X.

The 6-foot-10 vet, who inked a deal with Cleveland this offseason to add some interior muscle, is not expected to do much from the limited scorer.

Go for the fist pump next time, pal.

Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela

What: Charlotte Hornets (9-19) (3-11 away) at Cleveland Cavaliers (15-14) (9-8 home)

When: 7:00pm Eastern

Where: Rocket Arena; Cleveland, OH

How to watch: Peacock, FanDuel Sports Network, NBA League Pass

Outfitting: Hornets–Statement (purple), Cavaliers–City (orange)

Game Lines: Hornets +9.5, Hornets money line +310, O/U 238.5

Injuries:
Hornets: LaMelo Ball-probable (wrist), Ryan Kalkbrenner-questionable (elbow), Collin Sexton-doubtful (quad), Grant Williams-out (knee)

Cavaliers: Donovan Mitchell-probable (illness), Craig Porter Jr.-probable (illness), Sam Merrill-probable (hand), Evan Mobley-out (calf), Larry Nance Jr-out (calf), Max Strus-out (foot)

The Hornets are finally getting healthier (for now). LaMelo Ball clearly tweaked his wrist getting knocked over during a brutally physical game against the Pistons, but he seems to be no worse for the wear. Kalkbrenner apparently took a knock too, but he could still gut it out. Sexton probably isn’t playing, but the fact that he’s gone from out to doubtful means that he’s close. That leaves Grant Williams as the only remaining injured Hornet as he works back from the torn ACL he suffered last year. Knock on wood.

They should be feeling good about their chances tonight. They may have gotten drubbed by the Pistons, but they will remember that they beat this very seem Cavs team in this very same arena just eight days ago. Kon Knueppel led the way with 29 points while Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges chipped in decent games as well. And LaMelo didn’t even play. He’s only going to add to the offensive firepower.

The Cavs, meanwhile, played two games against the Bulls between that last meeting and now, and they lost them both by double digits. Both games followed roughly the same pattern. The Cavs were able to score just fine, but they had no answer for a Bulls offense that’s pretty mediocre. A Hornets team with LaMelo Ball and Kon Knueppel should have no problem scoring points. They’ll just need to keep Donovan Mitchell reasonably in check, and they have a chance to take another game in Cleveland.

Related

Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (15-14) vs Charlotte Hornets (9-19)

Where: Rocket Arena – Cleveland, OH

When: Monday, Dec. 22 at 7:00 pm EST

TV: Peacock, FanDuel Sports Network Ohio, FanDuel Sports App

Point spread: Not yet set

Cavs injury report: Donovan Mitchell – PROBABLE (illness), Sam Merrill – PROBABLE (hand), Craig Porter Jr. – PROBABLE (illness), Evan Mobley – OUT (calf), Larry Nance Jr. – OUT (calf), Max Strus – OUT (foot), Chris Livingston – OUT (G League), Luke Travers – OUT (G League)

Hornets injury report: LaMelo Ball – PROBABLE (WRIST), Ryan Kalkbrenner – QUESTIONABLE (elbow), Liam McNeeley – OUT (G League), Drew Peterson – OUT (G League), Antonio Reeves – OUT (G League), Collin Sexton – DOUBTFUL (quad), Grant Williams – OUT (knee)

Cavs expected starting lineup: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Jaylon Tyson, Dean Wade, Jarrett Allen

Hornets expected starting lineup: LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Kon Kneuppel, Miles Bridges, Ryan Kalkbrenner

Previous matchup: The Cavs lost in overtime to the Hornets on Dec. 14.