Washington Gets Walloped In Cleveland 102-90; Cavaliers Win Third Straight!

Posted by Jeff Sack under NBA Game Recap

The game between the Washington Wizards and Cleveland Cavaliers Tuesday night at the Q Arena somewhat mirrored the Cavaliers season. Cleveland started out the game looking lost and could barely find the basket however as the game progressed they got stronger and stronger winning the contest 102-90. The victory was the third straight for the Cavaliers after starting off the campaign 0-2. LeBron James led 5 Cleveland players in double figures with a game high 27 points while Shaquille O’Neal looked like vintage “Diesel” as he added 21 more. Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler each scored 22 points to lead the Wizards.

Washington came out in the first quarter with guns blazing while the Cavaliers looked like they left their offense in the locker room. This would result in the Wizards pulling out to a 31-17 lead at the end of the period. Cleveland would emerge from their coma in the second and got back into the contest by the end of the half trailing Washington by just 4 points as the two team went to the locker room with score 54-50.

The Cavaliers increased their defensive intensity in the second half which is their strength. Cleveland took the lead by the end of the third on top 78-73. That would be as close as Washington would get the rest of the game as the Cavaliers took over early in the fourth and never allowed the Wizards to threaten their lead for the balance of the night.

LeBron James had a game high 27 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals in the Cavaliers victory. Shaquille O’Neal would contribute 21 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 block while Mo Williams added 15 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds and 1 steal. Daniel Gibson came off the bench with 14 points, 2 assists, 1 rebound and 1 steal while Anderson Varejao recorded a double-double; 10 points, 10 boards, 3 assists, 1 block and 1 steal.

Gilbert Arenas scored 22 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists while Caron Butler also added 22 points with 6 rebounds and 1 steal. Mike Miller had 12 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal in the loss. Cleveland is over .500 for the first time in the young season with a 3-2 mark they will host the Chicago Bulls Thursday night. Washington is now 2-2 and will host the Miami Heat on Wednesday.

Updates, Fresh From the Oven, Straight to Your Inbox