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The Cleveland Cavaliers easily handled the Brooklyn Nets Thursday night at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavaliers overcame a slow start to grab a seven point lead after the first quarter and never looked back. During the second quarter the Cavs put the game away, outscoring the Nets 34-17 for the period. Not much changed after halftime. The Cavs passed the 100 point mark with 7:41 left in the fourth and the starters got some very valuable rest to close out the game. The Cavs ultimately won by a final score of 107-87.
Strong outings from Kevin Love and LeBron James will stick out in the box score but the whole team was engaged offensively. The ball movement was crisp and the Cavs had 29 assists on 38 made shots. The whole team also played very well defensively. It could be a function of playing the Nets but the Cavaliers played tenacious team defense, receiving solid efforts across the board. The Cavs ultimately won by a final score of 107-87.
The Cavaliers forced the Nets to shoot just 37 percent from the field and even more impressively held the Nets to 4-21 from behind the arc. With the playoffs around the corner it is extremely encouraging to have seen this defensive effort along with the team ball movement on offense. One can't help but hope this game is a sign that the team is ready to buckle down in its pursuit of an NBA championship.
Also of note in the game LeBron passed Dominque Wilkins for 12th on the all time scoring list.
LeBron James has passed Dominique Wilkins and is now No. 12 on the NBA's all-time scoring list. pic.twitter.com/WhVBcFcVXA
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 1, 2016
The Cavs look to keep the momentum going tomorrow night on the road in Atlanta.