Nets tumble to lowly Cavs

CAVS NETS 99 97

Alec Burks had a more productive visit to Barclays Center than his last one.

Playing just his third game for Cleveland after a trade from Utah, Burks threw down a two-handed dunk with 3.2 seconds remaining, and the Cava- liers avoided a fourth-quarter collapse and edged the Nets, 99-97, on Monday night.

Burks was traded last Wednesday for veteran Kyle Korver and two future second-round picks. He was notified about the deal at Barclays Center and had to pack his bags hours before tip-off.

“It’s crazy. Maybe I’ll look back at it after this whole thing is over with,” Burks said.

The eight-year veteran has quickly earned the trust of Cavaliers coach Larry Drew. He had 13 points and seven rebounds in 28 minutes off the bench.

“It feels great. (Drew) trusts my talent, my abilities and my teammates trust me,” Burks said.

Jordan Clarkson notched 20 points and 11 rebounds, and Tristan Thompson had 19 points and 14 rebounds for the Cavaliers, who snapped a fourgame skid.

Cleveland led, 91-80, with 6:03 left in the fourth quarter after Rodney Hood hit an 18foot jumper.

The Nets then went on a 17-6 run, tying it at 97 on rookie Rodion Kurucs’ putback layup with 18.9 seconds left.

Burks then got an assist from his old Utah teammate, Rodney Hood, who set a screen and drew the attention of Allen Crabbe on the defensive switch.

Burks drove past Spencer Dinwiddie, who had five fouls, for the dunk that sealed it for Cleveland. The Cavaliers had been winless since they beat Philadelphia and Houston back-to-back on Nov. 23-24.

D’Angelo Russell scored 28 points for the Nets, who have lost seven straight and nine of 11 overall, including their last six at home. Dinwiddie had 18 points off the bench.