The Cleveland Cavaliers now hold not only the NBA’s best record (42-11), but the league’s longest win streak of the season at 12.
It took a tough and gutsy performance but the Cavs were able to hand the New Jersey Nets their 47th loss in 51 tries, 104-97. The Cavaliers started off slowly trailing the Nets 27-26 after the first quarter. The only Cavalier that seemed to have his “A game” early was Anderson Varejao. Andy hit on 6-7 from the floor and had 13 first half points including a rim-rocking slam on an alley-oop pass from LeBron.
James said, “He doesn’t dunk the ball a lot and he doesn’t catch lobs at all. For him to go up there and catch it was surprising and definitely a momentum-builder at that point.” The Cavaliers went to the break leading 55-49. The two teams were both even par scoring 23 points in the 3rd quarter, then the real Cavs showed up.
Cleveland opened the 4th quarter on a 13-2 run and eventually held a 17 point lead (91-74). James had 13 4th quarter points to help seal the deal. James finished up with 32 points and 11 dimes. Jawad Williams stepped up huge draining a career high 17 points, including three timely 3 pointers. Anderson Varejao ended the night with 15 points and 9 rebounds, Daniel Gibson also scored in double figures with 11.
This victory is the Cavs 7th straight over the Nets and gives them the NBA’s best home record at 23-3. Cleveland is also an astounding 29-1 when reaching the 100 point plateau. It’s great seeing the team get the wins that they’re suppose to, going 25-2 against the league’s sub .500 teams.
Next up it’s time to give the defending Eastern Conference champs,the Orlando Magic, a little payback as the teams meet Thursday night at the Q.