The Cavaliers rolled into the Barclay’s Center on Thursday, and the result was far from what was expected. Brooklyn upset the Cavaliers 104-95 for just their 20th win this season, an upset almost as impressive as the Lakers beating Golden State.
LeBron James had a game-high 30 points for Cleveland, but Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving were nowhere to be found. The two all-stars shot just 11/36 for 24 points — LeBron alone shot 13/16 for the game, and 13/14 through three quarters. Collectively, the Cavaliers played a strong game up through the third quarter. After a 34-point explosion, where LeBron scored 15, the Cavaliers led Brooklyn 83-80.
The Nets’ defense really turned up in the fourth quarter. Going into the final period, the Cavs were shooting 52% from the field. They shot a horrendous 4/21 (19%) from the field and scored just 12 points in the fourth. Brooklyn played a little bit better than the Cavs and scored 24 points on 11/25 (44%) shooting.
In his second game back from injury, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson scored ten points and added in seven rebounds and three steals. He was the Nets’ leading scorer in the fourth with eight. Brook Lopez was the leading scorer overall for the Brooklyn and he tallied 22 points on 8/15 shooting with seven rebounds and five assists. Shane Larkin had one of his best performances to date with 16 points and seven assists.
Both teams are back at it on Saturday. Cleveland visits Madison Square Garden to match up with the Knicks, and Brooklyn plays host to the Pacers.
Around The League
Derrick Rose scored 30 for the third time this season, but the Bulls lost to the Knicks 106-94 and get swept in their home-and-home series. Carmelo Anthony led the way with 26 points, and Kristaps Porzingis followed up his 29/10 performance with 19p and 10r.
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook nearly triple-double as the Thunder down the streaking Jazz, 113-91. Durant led with 20 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds. Westbrook wasn’t far behind, recording 15 points, seven rebounds, nine assists, and even three steals.
J.J Redick hits the game-winning shot in the Clippers’ 96-94 victory over the Trail Blazers. Chris Paul dished his seventh assist of the game through Mason Plumlee’s legs and Redick capped off his night with points ten and 11. CP3 also tied Jamal Crawford with 25 points.
Scores
NOLA 84 - IND 92
CLE 95 - BKN 104
CHI 94 - NYK 106
UTAH 91 - OKC 113
POR 94 - LAC 96
