The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Cavs lost battle of cellar dwellers
Cavs’ defense drops off in the second half
The Cavaliers’ defense let another game get away.
Chicago’s rising star Lauri Markkanen scored 31 points, and the Bulls won consecutive games for the first time this season, beating the Cavaliers, 11292, on Dec. 23 at Quicken Loans Arena.
Cavs coach Larry Drew told his players following the game he was disappointed they didn’t play with more energy, particularly when Chicago took control after Cleveland led 67-66 midway through the third period.
“It just seems when we hit a bump in the road things get really rocky real fast,” he said. “It’s something we have to learn how to play through.”
The Bulls shot 64 percent in the second half, leaving forward Larry Nance Jr. to point out that the Cavaliers are one of the worst defensive teams in the league.
“It’s heart,” he said. “It’s will. We’re letting guys have career
nights on us. That’s something we have to take personally. We’ve got to man up.”
Nance led Cleveland with 20 points, and Cedi Osman and Jordan Clarkson each had 17. Rookie point guard Collin Sexton was 3 of 16 from the field and scored six points. Cleveland has lost five of six.
David Nwaba sprained his left ankle when he fell awkwardly in the fourth quarter. He was down for several moments and was helped to the locker room by his teammates.
Markkanen put up big numbers again, after scoring a season-high 32 on Dec. 21 in a victory over Orlando.
“We knew we haven’t had a winning streak yet, so we wanted to break that,” he said.
Markkanen had 14 points in the third quarter, including a four-point play late in the period that sparked an 18-5 run in the game between the teams that began the game tied for last in the Eastern Conference.
The 6-foot-10 forward from Finland hit a 3-pointer from the left wing and made the free throw after being fouled by Nwaba. Justin Holiday had a 3-pointer on the next possession, extending the lead to 84-72.
Markkanen made 11 of 18 shots and had five 3-pointers. He hit two 3-pointers and had 10 points in the first five minutes of the third quarter.
Kris Dunn added 17 points..
The Bulls are 4-6 under Jim Boylen. He took over when Fred Hoiberg was fired Dec. 3.
“We’re thankful for the win,” Boylen said. “I’m proud of them. We’re in this together. It’s fun.”
Another injury
Cleveland guard Rodney Hood, who averages 12.9 points, missed the game with a sore left Achilles. Drew doesn’t know how long Hood will be sidelined.
Kevin Love (left foot surgey) and Tristan Thompson (sprained left foot) could return in January.
Tip-ins
CAVALIERS >> Sexton was knocked to the floor driving to the basket in the second quarter, but remained in the game ... Drew has taken to calling an early timeout when his team shows a lack of effort on the defensive end. Chicago scored on its first four possessions, and Drew called time with 10:06 remaining in the first quarter.
Up next
CAVALIERS >> At Memphis on Dec. 26.