The Cleveland Cavaliers fell to 17-29 on the season after a frustrating 108-83 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Sunday afternoon. In a game that had blowout written all over it, the Cavs shot a mere 38.6% as a team and were ice cold from the perimeter in the defeat.
The Suns, paced by 18 first half points from center Marcin Gortat, grabbed an early lead that they never relinquished. As we've come to expect, Phoenix veteran floor general Steve Nash attempted just two field goals throughout the game, but still was the most important player on the floor and controlled the flow with 13 assists.
Cleveland rookie Kyrie Irving committed five of his squad's 22 turnovers on the day in addition to a team-high 16 points. Ball security remains a problem for the talented Irving, as he managed to turn it over seven times in a loss to Atlanta last Wednesday, and eight in a loss to Milwaukee the previous week.
Cavaliers forward Antawn Jamison left the game with a bruised leg early, but quickly returned in the second quarter. Jamison's minimal impact (two points, 1-for-8 shooting) clearly had an adverse effect on Cleveland's ability to hang with a much more seasoned Suns team.
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