Read more at our Cavs blog, Fear The Sword.
NBA’s Best Beats NBA’s Worst As Cavs Down Nets
Cleveland, OH (Sports Network) - LeBron James shot 13-of-21 from the floor in a 32-point, 11-assist effort, as the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the New Jersey Nets, 104-97, for their 12th straight win, the longest streak in the NBA this season.
Jawad Williams added a career-high 17 points for the Cavaliers, who, at 42-11, have clinched their sixth consecutive winning season. Their 12 straight wins also tops 11-game stretches by both Boston and the Lakers earlier this season.
Anderson Varejao contributed 15 points and nine boards, while Daniel Gibson had 11 points in the victory.
Brook Lopez had 23 points and 14 rebounds for the Nets, who have lost seven straight, 18 of 19 and sit at the basement of the league with a 4-47 record. Courtney Lee posted a team-high 24 points with seven rebounds, Jarvis Hayes added 19 points and Yi Jianlian and Keyon Dooling each had 11 in the loss.
The Nets held a surprising 27-26 lead after the first quarter, but Cleveland moved in front for good in the second.
Shaquille O’Neal’s dunk two minutes into the period provided the Cavs with a 32-31 edge, and an 11-2 run had the hosts in front by nine, 45-36, after a Varejao free throw midway through the quarter.
The Nets trimmed their deficit to 55-49 at halftime.
An Anthony Parker free throw had the Cavs in front by double-digits for the first time at 72-62 in the third. The Nets responded with an 8-2 burst to get back to within four and trailed again by six, 78-72, entering the fourth.
The Cavs opened the final quarter on a 13-2 burst. James and Williams combined for all but two of the points, and James’ uncontested slam had Cleveland ahead, 91-74, with just under nine minutes left.
New Jersey didn’t get closer than seven the rest of the way.
The Cavaliers’ longest stretch of consecutive winning seasons was seven, from 1992-98...The Nets are one loss away from matching last season’s total...New Jersey is an NBA-worst 1-27 on the road, while Cleveland is an NBA-best 23-3 at home...Cleveland leads the season series, 3-0, and has won seven straight against the Nets.
See More:
