The Cleveland Cavaliers were unable to extend their winning streak and lost to the Portland Trail Blazers by a score of 123-110.
As expected, the Cleveland Cavaliers winning streak came to an end Monday. The Portland Trail Blazers are not exactly the New York Knicks or Phoenix Suns. Portland is actually one of the better teams in the league and showed just that in their 13-point victory in Cleveland.
The Cavaliers should have known they were in trouble when the found themselves down 14-0 and it took over five minutes to score their first points of the game. This was a warning sign that this game was unlikely to end up in their favor. While the Cavaliers were able to rally and eventually cut the game to two in the 4th quarter, Portland pulled away late and came away with the win.
Cleveland was led by Cedi Osman’s 27 points on 10-16 shooting. Osman made three of five attempts from three and all four attempts from the free throw line. In addition Osman grabbed seven rebounds and assisted on three other baskets.
Jordan Clarkson was back to his double-digit scoring self. Scoring 19 points off the bench in 28 minutes. Clarkson went 8-18 on the night, but unfortunately missed seven of his eight three-point attempts. Clarkson was one of three Cavaliers to be in the positive column of the plus/minus department. The other two being Marquese Chriss and Matthew Dellavedova.
Kevin Love had a double-double in 28 minutes of game-time. Love scored 18 points and was able to grab 12 rebounds. Love did not have an efficient shooting night, going 5-14 overall. Although Love did make three of six attempts from three-point range and all five attempts from the free throw line. Love’s minutes increased for the second straight game after returning from injury.
Cavaliers notes
Cleveland is still in the running for the top pick in the NBA Draft Lottery. At 14-47 the Cavaliers still have the third-worst record in the league.
Tristan Thompson is still not cleared to play. Although that time does appear to be fast approaching.
The Cavaliers next game will be against the Knicks in New York Thursday at 7:30 P.M.
