The New Orleans Hornets spoiled Kyrie Irving's return to the lineup, destroying the Cleveland Cavaliers 112-92 behind 25 points and nine assists from Greivis Vasquez.
Cavs vs. Hornets final score: New Orleans destroys Cleveland 112-92 in Irving’s return to lineup
Kyrie Irving had 31 points in his return to the lineup, but the Cavs proved to be no match for Greivis Vasquez and the Hornets.
USA TODAY Sports
Vasquez went 10-of-14 from the field as the Hornets shot a scorching 54.1 percent overall and made 12-of-21 from three-point land. Ryan Anderson did much of that damage from long range, hitting 5-of-7 triples en route to 23 points off the bench. Anthony Davis added 17 points and 13 rebounds.
More: At The Hive Fear The Sword
Irving had 31 points and six assists in 29 minutes after missing eight games with a shoulder injury. The star point guard started slow, but quickly found his rhythm, scoring 15 points in the second quarter to lead the Cavs to a 49-48 lead at the half.
But the second half was all New Orleans, as they outscored Cleveland 64-43 to win going away. The Hornets were especially good in the third quarter, with Vasquez pouring in 16 of the team’s season-high 36 points in the quarter to take an 11-point lead into the final frame.
Outside of Irving, the Cavs got little production from their starting lineup, with the other four starters managing just 32 points combined. Tristan Thompson did have a double-double, scoring 12 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. The loss was Cleveland's eighth straight, and they will not have Irving when they take on the Atlanta Hawks Monday.
More from SB Nation:
See More:
More in: NBA Sunday: Depleted Heat beat Spurs
