After an embarassing loss to the Detroit Pistons, the Cleveland Cavaliers were able to bounce back and defeat the Orlando Magic by a score of 107-93.
The Cleveland Cavaliers cruised through the first two quarters and led at halftime 52-48. However an all too predictable series of events occurred. Orlando took the lead as Cleveland struggled to score in the third quarter. Down 72-63 heading into the fourth, Cleveland rebounded and caught fire. The Cavaliers scored 40 points compared to just 21 for Orlando.
The Cavaliers were led by yet another double-digit scoring effort off the bench from Jordan Clarkson. Clarkson scored 18 points in 27 minutes on 5-9 shooting from the field. Clarkson made three of six three-pointers and all five attempts from the free throw line. This is the type of performance that the Cavaliers are used to expecting from Jordan Clarkson. Clarkson has done this all season long and should continue to do so over the final 18 games.
A rough shooting night did not stop Kevin Love from scoring 16 points. Love only made three shots on the night. All three makes were of the three-point variety, Love missed his three of his two-point attempts. Love was able to make up for this by making seven of eight shots from the free throw line and grabbing 14 rebounds in the contest.
Collin Sexton contributed 17 points on the night, making six of 11 shots including one of four from three-point range. Sexton also went 4-4 from the charity stripe.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have continued their up and down play since the return of Kevin Love. Of course Love did not play in Saturday’s lopsided loss against Detroit. Even with this win the Cavaliers are still in the mix for the top pick in the NBA Draft Lottery.
