Sexton, Thompson helps Cavs rout Wizards

Rookie Collin Sexton matched a career high with 29 points, Tristan Thompson had 23 points and 19 rebounds and the Cavaliers beat the Wizards, 116-101, on Dec. 8.

Cleveland dominated, going ahead for good late in the first quarter and building a 29-point lead in the second half.

Wizards guard John Wall was held to a career low one point in 26 minutes — a free throw early in the third quarter with Cleveland holding a 74-48 lead. Wall returned after missing Washington’s victory Dec. 5 over Atlanta because of personal reasons.

The five-time All-Star, who didn’t participate in the shootaround because he was under the weather, missed all five shots and had six assists. Wall was taken out late in the third quarter and didn’t return.

Bradley Beal scored 27 points, but the Wizards turned in a flat performance after winning three straight.

Sexton was 13 of 23 from the field and had six assists, including an alley-oop pass to Larry Nance J. for a onehanded dunk that brought the crowd to its feet late in the game.

Cleveland (6-20) had only 10 available players because of injuries and the Dec. 7 three-team trade with the Wizards and Bucks, but didn’t play like a shorthanded CAVALIERS » G Alec Burks scored 14 points while Jones finished with 12, all coming on 3-pointers . ... F Jaron Blossomgame, signed to a two-way contract last week, made his first career start. He scored six points in 20 minutes in his third NBA game.

Up next

At Indiana on WIZARDS » Dec. 10. CAVALIERS » At Milwaukee on Dec. 10.