New Jersey Puts Up A Battle But Cleveland Prevails 98-87

While no one expects them to all be easy, Wednesday night was another “sweat it out to the end” affair for the Cavaliers, but in the end they had enough to overcome a game New Jersey Nets squad 98-87. The game came down to the final four minutes, as the Nets took a lead 82-81 with 3:53 left, only to then see the Cavaliers close out the game on a 17-5 run to take home the win.

The victory for the Cavs is historic, as it is their 58th win of the season, a team record. The win puts them over the 57 wins shared by the 1988-89 and 1991-92 teams, when the team had the likes of Mark Price, Brad Daugherty, Hot Rod Williams, Larry Nance and Craig Elho. Those teams though had a major thorn in their side – Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls.

But now, LeBron James is playing the role of Jordan, as the chants of “MVP” rang out from the sellout crowd on Wednesday night. James had 22 points with 11 assists, and scored six points in the last 4:41 and also added three assists which helped the team gain the win.

The Nets were led by Vince Carter who had 20 points. They fall to 30-41 on the season, and their hopes of trying to get into the postseason as an 8th seed seem to be fading, as they have lost 6 of their last 8, and now have to go home and get ready for another MVP candidate in Kobe Bryant and the Lakers on Friday night.

All five of the Cavs starters were in double digits, as along with James there was big nights each for Mo Williams, Anderson Varejao and Zydrunas Ilgauskas, who all added 16 points. Varejao had a team high 11 rebounds. Delonte West had 13 for the Cavs, including three-of-four from three-point range.

Just like Sunday night in New Jersey, the Cavs looked as if it would be a laugher early. They jumped out to a 15-5 lead, and led 26-17 at the end of one. The Nets stormed back, and closed the gap to 44-40 at the half. Cleveland then pushed it back to 68-60 at the end of three, before the Nets were able to take a momentary lead in the 4th before the Cavs made their run to end the game.

The Cavs are a league best 33-1 at home, and witha mark of 58-13 own the best record in the league. With 12 games left, they have 7 of their last 12 at home, including the next three against the T-’Wolves (Friday), Mavs(Sunday) and Pistons (Tuesday). They will have another tough test on Friday April 3rd in Orlando against the Magic. For now though, they have their sights set on the best record in the Eastern Conference, as well as the league, and there is no doubt they are closing in on both.

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