For nearly three quarters, the Cleveland Cavaliers showed the fight of team that won 127 games the last two seasons. Unfortunately, much of the talent for those teams was playing for the opponent and the Cavaliers sunk back into the form that has led to 21 straight losses. After cutting a 19-point lead to 70-67 midway through the 3rd quarter, Miami finished the game on a 47-23 run to beat the Cavaliers 117-90.
Antawn Jamison scored 21 points to go along with 10 rebounds while Manny Harris scored 20 points to pace the Cavaliers. J.J. Hickson had 14 points and nine rebounds and Ramon Sessions added 11 points and seven assists.
Miami was led by Dwyane Wade who scored 34 points – 26 in the first half – while LeBron James chipped in 24 points while dishing 8 assists. Former Cavaliers center Zydrunas Ilgauskas scored 12 points while grabbing 14 rebounds.
The Heat were hot most of the night, shooting near 50% while the Cavaliers struggled to hit 40% for the game. The Heat out-rebounded the Cavaliers 49-39 and doubled up the Cavaliers from deep.
The 21 losses in a row are a franchise record, and the number equals the loss total the Cavaliers had all of last year when they finished with the best record in the NBA at 61-21.