Cavs fall short against Washington

Bradley Beal scored 18 points, Kelly Oubre Jr. added 17 and tried to untie the sneakers of one of Cleveland’s new players, and the Wizards withstood a late assault by LeBron James to beat the newlook Cavaliers 110-103 on Feb. 22.

The Wizards nearly blew a late 11-point lead as James scored 14 straight points to pull the Cavs within 106-103. But Beal hit a driving layup and James missed a free throw and committed a lane violation while intentionally missing the second one and the Wizards held on.

Washington is 8-2 since star guard John Wall went down with a knee injury. Tomas Satoransky, who has been starting in Wall’s spot, added 17 points and eight assists.

James, back from winning MVP honors at the All-Star Game, scored 32 — 14 in the fourth — for the Cavs, who dropped to 2-1 since acquiring four new players before the trade deadline. J.R. Smith added 15 for Cleveland.

The Wizards spoiled the home debuts for Larry Nance Jr., George Hill, Rodney Hood and Jordan Clarkson, four new faces the Cavs are hoping can get them back to the NBA Finals.

But there are more obstacles in the Eastern Conference than ever and the Wizards could be a much tougher out in the postseason — with or without Wall. Washington overcame an early 12-point deficit and matched Cleveland’s intensity. Oubre tried to give the Wizards an extra advantage when he reached over during a dead-ball situation and tried to untie one of Hood’s shoes.

The four newest Cavs received warm ovations when introduced, with Nance getting the biggest roar from fans who remember his shot-blocking, dunking dad. Larry Nance Sr. was a twotime All-Star during eight seasons with Cleveland.

Before the game, Nance Jr. announced that the NBA will allow him to wear his dad’s retired No. 22 jersey, which will remain hanging from the rafters in Quicken Loans Arena.

“I’m ecstatic about it,” said the younger Nance, who will switch from 24 to 22 next week.

After making just one 3-pointer in the first quarter, the Wizards dropped four deep shots in a span of 2:24 of the second quarter.

Oubre and Markieff Morris each made two 3s during Washington’s barrage, which enabled the Wizards to take a 57-54 lead at halftime.

Tip-ins

CAVALIERS» Smith’s recent fast starts have been a key to Cleveland’s success. Smith is shooting 18 of 21 — 14 of 15 from the 3-point range — in the first quarter of the past six games. “When he’s making shots,” said coach Tyronn Lue, “we’re a different team.” ... James became the seventh player with 11,000 career field goals . ... The trades brought an infusion of youth to what was the league’s oldest roster. “It’s not an old team anymore,” Lue said. “We’ve definitely gotten younger.” ... Signed G Marcus Thornton to a 10-day contract.

TONY DEJAK — ASSOCIATED PRESS The Wizards’ Jason Smith drives to the basket against J.R. Smith in the second half Feb. 22 at Quicken Loans Arena.

TONY DEJAK —ASSOCIATED PRESS The Cavs’ George Hill drives against the Wizards on Feb. 22.