It’s tough to lose, but even harder to loose sloppy games. It was a game that the Cavaliers could have, and should have won. When the opponent shoots just 34% from the field, nine times out of ten the Cavs would have gotten the win. Their lead was never more than eight, but they never trailed by more than four. The Nets only significant lead came when it mattered most, and once again, there was an element missing in the Cavaliers overall game that they had, but forgot down the stretch. It took overtime, and that might be what took the Cavs out of the game late.
The Nets outlasted Cleveland by drawing fouls late and crashing the boards. Forward Kris Humphries posted a career best 23 rebounds along with 18 points. Humphries’ effort was a Quicken Loans Arena record. The Cav’s kept sure handed center Brook Lopez to 18 points with only five rebounds, but Humphries picked up the pace.
Ramon Sessions was with the leading scorers as usual for Cleveland, scoring 21 for the night. J.J. Hickson was at his best at the other end of the board, with 17 rebounds and 17 points. Other Cavaliers such as Anthony Parker, struggled to score, but hit a clutch outside jumper to put the Cavs up 82-80. From there on out, the Nets endured the deficit and came out on top.