Wednesday’s win over the Knicks wasn’t a thing of beauty. But the Cavaliers managed to grind through New York’s best shot before pulling away in the final quarter – taking the 96-86 win over the Knicks at Quicken Loans Arena.
Like the Sixers had done on Monday night in Philly, the Knicks took a 32-18 lead after one quarter and held off the Wine and Gold for the first three quarters of the night. But LeBron James took over the game in the final period – netting 11 of his game-high 23 points in the fourth and willing the Wine and Gold to their fourth straight victory and 22nd in their last 23 regular season games at The Q.
One game after making history, scoring his 25,000th career point in a victory over Philly, James made news with some impromptu tailor work – tearing the sleeves on the Cavaliers’ alternate black uniform to give his guns some breathing room.
“The jerseys are nice – we love the jerseys,” smiled the four-time MVP after the win. “The black looks great. It’s been awhile since this franchise has worn black. It was great to be out there and wear those uniforms. I was just in my own way, I was a little frustrated with my shot – couldn’t make a bucket. Like I said, I had to take it out on something.”
LeBron finished 9-for-23 from the floor, including 1-for-5 from long-distance. James’ lone trey was a big one, however, extending Cleveland’s lead to eight points, 87-79, with just over four minutes to play. On the night, he added five boards, three assists and a game-high four steals.
Mo Williams followed up with 22 points, going 8-of-19 from the floor to go with six boards and four helpers. Kevin Love doubled-up for the third time this season, tallying 11 points and 12 boards. Love’s backup, Tristan Thompson, came off the bench on a mission once again – also doubling up with 10 points (on 4-for-6 shooting) and a game-high 13 boards.
Timofey Mozgov, who spent part of his first NBA season with the Knicks, rounded out the Cavaliers in double-figures, chipping in with 10 points in the win.
Neither team shot 40 percent from the floor on Wednesday, but the Cavaliers took twice as many free throws as New York while topping them on the boards, in the paint and on the break.
Click here to read more of this story.
About Marion Online Sports
