Final Score: LeBron James’ 35 points not enough as Cavs fall to Trail Blazers 113-105

The Cavaliers trailed by as many as 15 points Thursday night against the Trail Blazers and looked well on their way to being blown out. Cleveland, though, got as close as three points with 2:58 to play, but were unable to complete a comeback and ultimately lost 113-105.

The Cavs have now lost their last five games in Portland. LeBron James led the Cavs with 35 points, 14 rebounds and six assists, but missed a layup with 32 seconds to go when the Cavs were down by five. Kyle Korver added 19 points in his second straight start. C.J. McCollum led the Trail Blazers with 29 points.

On big issue for the Cavs in this game was their rebounding. With Kevin Love, Larry Nance Jr. and Tristan Thompson all out, Jeff Green and Ante Zizic played most of Cleveland’s center minutes. Overall, the Cavs were out-rebounded 50-34 with the Trail Blazers pulling down 13 offensive rebounds.

Rodney Hood did play for the Cavs and came off the bench on a minutes restriction. He finished with five points in 18 minutes.

With the loss, the Cavs now lead the Wizards by half a game for the No. 4 seed in the East and are half a game behind the Pacers for the half seed. Cleveland next plays on Saturday against the Bulls. Tipoff is at 8:30 p.m. in Chicago.