Brook Lopez carries New Jersey Nets to a 103-101 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers
The New Jersey Nets squeaked out a 103-101 win on Monday night at Prudential Center, handing the Cleveland Cavaliers their 17th straight defeat. Cleveland's losing streak is now their longest, since dropping 19 in a row to close the 1981-82 season.
Brook Lopez scored a game high 28 points in the home victory. In addition to that, he also grabbed 3 assists and 7 rebounds. The 22-year-old centre has blossomed into a multidimensional player who also can distribute the ball as well as score at a canter. On the night, he delivered the knock out with 1.4 seconds remaining in the game.
Five New Jersey players scored in double figures. Anthony Morrow came off the bench to score 16. Devin Harris contributed 14 points and 10 assists while Jordan Farmar and Kris Humphries ended with 11 points apiece. Humphries also pulled down 11 rebounds on the night.
Antawn Jamison scored 26 points to lead the Cavaliers. Daniel Gibson had 19 points for the Cavaliers, who have lost 21 straight road games, matching the team record set from Jan. 13 to April 14, 2003. Their last road win came in New Jersey on November 9, 2010.
Ramon Sessions registered 16 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds. J.J. Hickson added 12 points while Joey Graham scored 14 points for the Cavaliers who shot 45.2 percent from the field.
In the first quarter, the Cavaliers looked rusty, but slowly began to build their lead, taking a 29-26 lead into the second. Cleveland got their offensive touch in the second and slowly built an 8-point lead at the half. Cleveland continued to up the ante early in the third, however New Jersey fought hard to slash the deficit and made it a five point game (77-72) at the end of the third.
The Nets controlled every aspect of the game in the final stanza. They limited their turnovers, made frequent shots and also played tenacious defense to take the lead in the final minutes of regulation. The Cavaliers were able to tie the game at 101 though, as Joey Graham nailed a 3-pointer with 7 seconds remaining.
Lopez then came with his breath-taking basket of with just 1.4 seconds left to seal another home victory.
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