Cleveland Cavaliers win after 26 attempts: Memorable games of the 2010-11 regular NBA season – Pt-4
Mo Williams, making a comeback after an injury layoff of more than a month came to Cleveland’s rescue at that juncture as he calmly pinned a 17-foot step-back jumper with 6.3 seconds to play in the fourth.
The Clippers though had the final possession and a last gasp chance to win it in overtime possession. As time ran out, Baron Davis tried to force his way inside the Cavs’ perimeter. His runner though was
controversially blocked by J.J. Hickson and the two squads went to overtime.
In the extra session, the Clippers took an early one-point edge, 112-111, on the back of a hook jump shot from Griffin. But that proved to be their last lead of the night. Daniel Gibson canned a three-pointer
to give Cleveland a two-point lead on the very next possession. He followed with two perfectly executed free throws nearly a minute later to increase the advantage to four. Antawn Jamison then slipped in a layup to cap the surge as the Cavaliers snatched a
seemingly safe six point’s lead at 120-114 with 1:18 to go.
The Clippers had other ideas though.
Eric Bledsoe continued his electric night with a layup and Randy Foye knocked one from the long range as the Clippers pull back within a point, which threw the game wide open again.
At that stage, Jamison struck the vital blow. The 6ft-9in forward netted a crucial three pointer that put the Cavs firmly ahead by four with 22 seconds to go.
By that point, the Clippers were getting increasingly frustrated. Davis in particular was very effusive chirping at anyone who would listen about Hickson's regulation-ending rejection, cost the Clippers a
deserved regulation time win.
His frustration finally got the better of him as he committed a foul with 13 seconds left in overtime, allowing the Cavaliers to ice the landmark victory at the foul line, much to the relief of a 20,562 strong
crowd whose emotions soared and dropped throughout the game.
The Cavaliers shot an even 50 percent from the floor as compared to a 45 percent field goal conversion rate of the Clippers. They also beat the visitors 17-12 on the offensive glass which played a major role
in neutralizing their five extra turnovers.
The Cavaliers coach Byron Scott was jubilant at the team’s success, but was quick to remind them that this was only the start.
"They're in there jumping around and having a good time," Cleveland coach Byron Scott said. "I told them to enjoy it but let's not take a big breath and think OK we got a win, great. We have to think that
we are supposed to win games."
For the Los Angeles Clippers on the other hand they can only look back and imagine what could have been. For now, they have to live with the infamy of the team that allowed the Cavaliers to end their streak.
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