Cavs, Korver trying to find rhythm
NBA champs are just 1-3 since sharpshooter was acquired in a trade earlier this month
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — Kyle Korver feels mostly moved in. Off the floor, that is.
The newest member of the Cleveland Cavaliers still has some adjusting to do before he feels completely at home with the NBA champions, who have struggled of late.
“Every day it gets better and better,” he said.
Acquired earlier this month in a trade with Atlanta, Korver practiced with the Cavs for the first time in Ohio on Wednesday as the team regrouped from the longest road trip of the season — a coast-to-coast odyssey — that ended with an embarrassing 126-91 blowout loss to the Golden State Warriors, who sent a message in January they hope resonates in June.
While Korver, one of the NBA’s most lethal 3-point shooters has felt welcomed by his new teammates, he’s still trying to fit in with them on the court. Cleveland is just 1-3 since Korver arrived and the team’s struggles are at least loosely linked to them trying to incorporate him into the offense.
Although it wasn’t intentional, the Cavs found themselves forcing passes to Korver, who went 2 for 10 from the field and missed his first five 3-pointers in his first two games. He found his range against Sacramento and Golden State, going 11 of 20 (7 of 14 on 3s) and providing a glimpse of Cleveland’s potential when they get back to full strength.
“The more time we spend together, the better chemistry we’re going to have,” Korver said. “A lot of what my game is, is based on chemistry. Getting a good feel for the guys, me getting a feel for them, them getting a feel for me and how I play. Every day gets a little better.”
Wednesday’s games
WARRIORS 121, THUNDER 100: In Oakland, Calif., Kevin Durant dazzled against his old team once again with a season-best 40 points, and Golden State beat Oklahoma City despite Russell Westbrook’s 21st triple-double for the Thunder.
Westbrook had 27 points, 15 rebounds and 13 assists in an improved showing from his 20-point outing on 4-for-15 shooting when OKC first faced Durant in the other jersey here 2½ months ago and watched him dismantle the Thunder from every which way.
In his two games against OKC, Durant has scored 79 points on 28-for50 shooting. He hit seven 3-pointers in the first meeting, a 122-96 Warriors rout Nov. 3 at Oracle Arena. Durant also had 12 rebounds Wednesday. 76ERS 94, RAPTORS 89: In Philadelphia, Joel Embiid scored 26 points, Ersan Ilyasova added 18 and the resurgent 76ers earned their seventh win in nine games.
Embiid, who was questionable because of the flu, surpassed 20 points in fewer than 30 minutes in his 10th straight game.
WIZARDS 104, GRIZZLIES 101: In Washington, the Wizards won their 13th consecutive home game behind two late layups from John Wall, who finished with 25 points and 13 assists. James Ennis III missed a potential tying 3-pointer at the buzzer for Memphis.
ROCKETS 111, BUCKS 92: In Houston, James Harden had 38 points, eight assists and six rebounds, powering the Rockets to the win over Milwaukee.
KNICKS 117, CELTICS 106: In Boston, Derrick Rose matched his season high with 30 points, helping the Knicks to the road win. PISTONS 118, HAWKS 95: In Auburn Hills, Mich., Reggie Jackson scored 26 points to lead the Pistons past Atlanta.
Tobias Harris had 19 points and Andre Drummond added 13 points. PACERS 106, KINGS 100: In Sacramento, Calif., Paul George scored 24 points to lift Indiana to a win over Sacramento. PELICANS 118, MAGIC 98: In New Orleans, Anthony Davis had 21 points and 15 rebounds, and New Orleans cruised past Orlando. HORNETS 107, TRAIL BLAZERS 85: In Charlotte, N.C., Hornets reserve center Roy Hibber scored a season-high 16 points and even an attempted lob pass fell through the rim, as the Hornets broke a five-game losing streak.