The Cleveland Cavaliers have been without LeBron James more often than expected, and have struggled with their star on the bench. That was not the case Wednesday night, as another star stepped up with a career night. Kyrie Irving scored a career-high 55 points, which broke an arena record, to lead the Cavaliers to their 8th straight win, 99-94 over the Portland Trail Blazers.
James sat out with a sprained right wrist, an injury he suffered in Tuesday's win over the Detroit Pistons. Irving had 38 in Tuesday's win and scored a Cavs' record 11 three-pointers on Wednesday. He went a perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line, scored 24 of Cleveland's final 20 points, and 16 of the 20 fourth quarter points.
Irving hit a clutch 3 to break a 94-all tie and hit 2 free throws with 2.1 seconds left to seal the win. Irving missed his first 7 shots on the night, but ended up breaking the Quicken Loans Arena record for points scored in a game, set by Allen Iverson on January 6th, 2001. He also set the season-high in points scored in a game in the NBA, beating Klay Thompson and Mo Williams.
Irving scored the final 11 points in the first, 8 in the second and third, and 10 of the last 12 in the fourth. Irving was greeted after the game with a chest bump from LeBron James, who is doubtful for Friday's game against the Sacramento Kings.
LaMarcus Aldridge led the Trail Blazers with 38 points in his 2nd game since deciding to put off thumb surgery. Damian Lillard had 14 on 4-of-19 shooting for a Portland team that has dropped 6 of their last 7.
The Blazers fell to 32-14 on the season and will visit the red hot Atlanta Hawks on Friday. The Cavs now sit at 27-20 heading into Friday's game with the Kings.
James sat out with a sprained right wrist, an injury he suffered in Tuesday's win over the Detroit Pistons. Irving had 38 in Tuesday's win and scored a Cavs' record 11 three-pointers on Wednesday. He went a perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line, scored 24 of Cleveland's final 20 points, and 16 of the 20 fourth quarter points.
Irving hit a clutch 3 to break a 94-all tie and hit 2 free throws with 2.1 seconds left to seal the win. Irving missed his first 7 shots on the night, but ended up breaking the Quicken Loans Arena record for points scored in a game, set by Allen Iverson on January 6th, 2001. He also set the season-high in points scored in a game in the NBA, beating Klay Thompson and Mo Williams.
Irving scored the final 11 points in the first, 8 in the second and third, and 10 of the last 12 in the fourth. Irving was greeted after the game with a chest bump from LeBron James, who is doubtful for Friday's game against the Sacramento Kings.
LaMarcus Aldridge led the Trail Blazers with 38 points in his 2nd game since deciding to put off thumb surgery. Damian Lillard had 14 on 4-of-19 shooting for a Portland team that has dropped 6 of their last 7.
The Blazers fell to 32-14 on the season and will visit the red hot Atlanta Hawks on Friday. The Cavs now sit at 27-20 heading into Friday's game with the Kings.
