Buckling down on fourth-quarter defense and LeBron James scoring down the stretch lifted the Cavaliers past the Toronto Raptors, 105-101, Tuesday night at The Q.
Toronto was shooting 58 percent from the field entering the fourth quarter. The Cavaliers finally tightened things up defensively, holding the Raptors to six-of-20 shooting and just 13 points in the period. It was the first time in 38 games that Toronto had lost a game it was leading after three quarters — 88-81 in this case.
Cleveland (13-7) extended its winning streak to eight games. This was the second time in four nights that these two teams have met up. The Cavaliers lead the season series, 2-1.
James scored a game-high 35 points and dished out four assists. James scored 10 huge points in the final period, including a three that gave the Cavaliers the lead for good, 102-99, with 48 seconds remaining.
After the three-point basket, James looked towards the fans and yelled, “That’s what I’m here for!”
Dion Waiters followed up a season-high 26 points in Monday night’s win in Brooklyn with 18 points on seven-of-10 shooting. Waiters played within the team structure and took open, in rhythm, shots.
Kevin Love produced 17 points and nine rebounds. Kyrie Irving had a solid evening of 13 points and 10 assists.
Jonas Valanciunas dominated the paint and glass, scoring 18 points and 15 boards for the Raptors (16-6). Last week against the Cavaliers, Valanciunas was a non-factor as he registered seven points and two rebounds in 20 minutes.
Terrence Ross put in 18 points and Kyle Lowry added 16 points and a game-high 14 assists.
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