The Cleveland Cavaliers (8-12), losers of seven of their last nine, shot 29-percent in the first half against the Orlando Magic (13-9) and trailed by 11 at the half, but had a terrific fourth quarter in which they scored 41 points (!) to pull within five in the final two minutes. Unfortunately, Hedo Turkoglu hit a bucket and Antawn Jamison missed a three to all but seal it. Then, Dwight Howard hit three free throws to really seal it.
Cleveland finished shooting 37-percent and had 11 turnovers, but outrebounded the Magic 57-45 despite making one less shot; the Cavs had more fast break points; and they outscored Orlando 46-36 in the paint. Orlando hit 25 free throws and were stingy with the ball and on defense, holding Cleveland to just 53 points through the first three quarters.
Alonzo Gee led the Cavs off the bench with 20 points. Kyrie Irving was 7-for-21 shooting and had 18 points and six assists. Dwight Howard had 19 points, 16 rebounds, and eight blocks.
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