The Cleveland Cavaliers are finding new and adventurous ways to lose NBA basketball games. In fact, they’ve become quite good at it – losing 25-games in a row, 35 of their last 36 and 26 straight on the road. Tonight, it was simply allowing time to expire without getting a tying shot at the basket.
Trailing 99-96, the Cavaliers secured the rebound on an Anthony Parker three point attempt. Instead of getting another shot off, the Cavaliers simply passed the ball until time expired, ending any chance the Wine and Gold had at ending their losing streak. It’s hard to knock the Cavs for their effort, however, playing on the road against a team that is much, much better – at least on paper.
Tonight’s loss was also record-breaking for the Cavaliers. Already owners of the longest single-season losing streak, the Cavaliers 25-game streak is now the longest in NBA History that spans seasons. That record was held by the 1982-83 Cavaliers.
Cleveland trailed by ten at halftime but rallied in the 3rd quarter to cut the lead to 4 points heading to the final 12 minutes. Dallas once again extended the lead, taking a 97-87 lead with just over 2 minutes to go. As the Cavaliers have done lately they rallied to get close – a three pointer by Antawn Jamison cutting the lead to 97-84 in the final minute. That set up the final seconds with Parker’s tying three coming up just short.
J.J. Hickson led the Cavaliers with 26 points and 12 rebounds. Antawn Jamison added 18 points and 11 rebounds. Ramon Sessions added 19 points and 13 assists. The Cavaliers did everything right, seemingly, except win the game.
Dirk Nowitzki was held to just 12 points on 5-11 shooting and Mavericks starters were held to just 39 points total on the night. As is usually the case, Jason Terry led a bench bunch that saved the Mavericks. Terry scored 23 points while Shawn Marion added 17.
The Cavaliers have a day off before welcoming the Detroit Pistons to the Q on Wednesday night as Cleveland continues to search for teh end of their record-breaking losing streak.