Hardaway, Knicks extend Cavs’ woes
CLEVELAND — After the Cavaliers’ fourth loss in five games, captain LeBron James is turning to the calendar for comfort.
“What month is this? October? I’m not about to go crazy over it right now. It’s too long of a season. I’ve been a part of this way too many times,” James said after Sunday night’s 114-95 home loss to the New York Knicks.
Tim Hardaway scored 34 points and Kristaps Porzingis had 32 as the Knicks won for the second time after losing their first three games.
Cleveland, which was blown out by Orlando at home and lost to Brooklyn during this stretch, fell below .500. The Cavaliers were routed 123-101 in New Orleans on Saturday.
“Tonight’s loss and the last couple are unacceptable,” coach Tyronn Lue said.
The Cavaliers are favorites to return to the NBA Finals for the fourth straight season, but their issues continued, particularly on the defensive end.
“Guys are scoring at will against us,” James said. “Our defense is pretty bad right now.”
New York, after winning its first game on Friday over the Nets, led 89-71 late in the third quarter. Cleveland cut it to 94-88 on James’ drive, forcing New York to call a timeout with 8:21 left.
Courtney Lee scored on a drive and hit a 3-pointer, helping the Knicks make it 103-88. New York took its largest lead, 114-93, in the final minute.
“We could have folded against a veteran team like that, but we made some big shots and pulled it out,” New York coach Jeff Hornacek said.
New York beat Cleveland for the first time since Oct 30, 2014 — James’ first game back with the Cavaliers after playing four seasons in Miami — a span that covered 10 games.
“It’s nice to finally beat the Cavs for the first time in my career,” Porzingis said. “Hopefully we can be in the playoffs where that really matters.”
Hardaway came in shooting 27 percent in four games but scored 24 points in the first half. He was 11 of 19 from the field and hit 5 of 10 3-pointers.
“I did a lot more attacking,” Hardaway said. “I took the 3s when they were there. Seeing one go down opens up a lot.”
Kevin Love led the Cavaliers with 22 points while James had 16. Derrick Rose returned after missing four games because of a sprained left ankle and scored 15 points.
Cleveland led 13-10, but Hardaway scored 10 points, including two 3-pointers and a dunk off an alley-oop pass from Jarrett Jack, as New York went on a 14-0 run.
Sunday marked the anniversary of James’ pro debut in 2003 against Sacramento. He had 25 points with nine assists and six rebounds.
“I played better 14 years ago than I did tonight,” James said.
Hardaway fell two points of his career high, which came on March 3 of last season against the Cavaliers.