The Cavaliers have been overcoming double-digit deficits in the fourth quarter all season, but in the final game before the Break, they simply couldn’t get over the hump.
The Wine and Gold went on an 11-0 early in the final period, cutting a 12-point Hornets’ edge to a single point. But the magic that saw them surge past the Pistons one night earlier never appeared and Cleveland fell, 89-84, on Wednesday night at The Q.
The starting backcourt of Kyrie Irving and Daniel Gibson shot a combined 3-for-22 from the floor and the Cavaliers shot just 32 percent as a team. New Orleans shot just 40 percent on the night, but handled Cleveland on the boards – with Chris Kaman and Gustavo Ayon combining for 30 of the Hornets’ 56 rebounds.
“We had great shots and we have a bunch of guys in that room that can make shots,” said Coach Scott. “Tonight just wasn’t one of those nights.”
The Cavaliers were led by Antawn Jamison, who finished with 22 points on 8-for-22 shooting. The 13-year vet added a team and season-high 12 boards – six offensive – to go with a pair of steals. He was the only Cavalier starter in double-figures.
Byron Scott’s bench fared much better, combining for 39 of Cleveland’s 84 points.
Alonzo Gee added 13 points and five boards in 28 minutes of action and Ramon Sessions pitched in with 11 points. Tristan Thompson notched his second double-double in the last three contests – tallying 10 points and 10 boards in the loss.
Kyrie Irving went just 2-of-13 from the floor, including 0-of-4 from long-distance, but the former Dukie did dish out a career-high 11 assists against New Orleans.
“It was just that type of night,” said Irving. “We were getting stops and we just couldn’t hit shots, including myself. I think we did some good things defensively, but it was a rough night. It happens.”
The Hornets, playing their third game in three nights, featured four players in double-figures – led by Chris Kaman, who notched 15 of his team-high 21 points in the first half.
The Wine and Gold wrap up their nine-game homestand on the other side of the All-Star Break when they welcome Boston back to The Q on February 28.