Final Score: Cavaliers dismiss Clippers in OT, 118-113

“Oh s****, not again.” That was the first thought I had when I turned on the game and saw the Cavaliers down 12-0 early in the first quarter. Cleveland was coming into the game on a three-game winning streak and this seemed like the perfect let-down game.

The Clippers came into the game at 5-8 and were battered with injuries. For about three quarters, Cleveland sleep-walked through the game on both ends of the floor, missing rotations on defense and not hitting open shots. It’s nights like tonight that it’s great to have LeBron James on your side.

James finished the night with 39 points on 17-of-26 shooting, including four three-pointers. Kevin Love woke up in overtime, but finished the game with 25 points and eight rebounds. Dwyane Wade was probably the most consistent Cavalier tonight, finishing the game at a plus-19, while adding 23 points — primarily at the free-throw line.

It took all the way until overtime, but once the Cavaliers finally got their first lead, they didn’t look back. Clippers led by double digits in every quarter, but the bench unit continued to breathe life into this team.

Los Angeles was a handful on this Friday night, especially down low with DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin. Jordan came out guns blazing, but finished the game with 20 points and 22 rebounds. Griffin scored 23 points, but took him an inefficient 25 shots to do so. Lou Williams was solid off the bench, adding 13 points and seven assists.

Cleveland has increased their current win streak to four games, all without Derrick Rose. The team found out earlier tonight that the former MVP would be out for the next few weeks. There’s probably no coincidence that Cleveland’s on a winning streak without Rose.

The Wine and Gold head to Detroit for the next game on Monday against the Pistons, which will tip off at 7:00 PM ET.