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Find out the scoop on the CAVS from award-winning sports writer Bob Finnan.

Friday, April 6, 2012

Game 53: Cavs at Raptors

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (18-35) 84, TORONTO RAPTORS (20-36) 80
Air Canada Centre
Friday
Radio/TV: WTAM/Fox Sports Ohio

WHAT HAPPENED: Despite being ravaged by injuries and losing their coach with 53.1 seconds left in the first half, the Cavs fought down the stretch and snapped their nine-game losing streak.

It also came against the Raptors, who had pounded the Cavs three times this season starting with the season opener on Dec. 26. They had won by a combined 31 points in the three losses.

The Cavs found out earlier in the day that they'd be without Anthony Parker, their starting shooting guard. They moved the erratic Manny Harris into that role, but it was Lester Hudson who was the difference in the game.

Hudson had a career-high 23 points, two rebounds, seven assists and three steals. He shot 6 of 14 from the field, 0 of 4 from behind the arc and 11 of 13 from the foul line. He might have found a home. Don't be surprised if he's signed for the rest of the season.

The Cavs were also playing without leading scorer Kyrie Irving, starting center Anderson Varejao and guard Daniel Gibson.

Coach Byron Scott was ejected late in the first half by official Kane Fitzgerald. He voiced his concern about a call, got two quick technicals and was gone. It was his first ejection this season. He might hear from the NBA office for cursing at the ref on his way off the court.

Paul Pressey, his lead assistant, took over for Scott and guided them home.

Forward Antawn Jamison caught fire in the second half and paced the Cavs with 25 points and eight rebounds. He was 8 of 16 from the field, 3 of 5 from behind the arc.

There's a chance both Irving (sprained shoulder) and Varejao (fractured wrist) will be shut down for the rest of the season. One can make the case that it doesn't make a lot of sense for either of them to play.

Raptors point guard Jose Calderon had a nasty black eye after running into Sixers big man Elton Brand. Calderon sat out the game in favor of former Cavs guard Ben Uzoh, who is playing on a 10-day contract.

He isn't the only player signed to 10-day deals that had Cavs' ties. They plucked guard/forward Alan Anderson from the D-League Canton Charge on March 26.

Jamison was the only Cavs' starter that reached double figures in scoring. Forward/center Samardo Samuels added 10 points and seven rebounds.

UP NEXT: The Cavs travel to New Jersey 6 p.m. Sunday at Prudential Center.

STARTERS
SF Alonzo Gee (6-6, 219) vs. Alan Anderson (6-6, 220)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Andrea Bargnani (7-0, 256)
C Tristan Thompson (6-9, 227) vs. Aaron Gray (7-0, 270)
SG Anthony Parker (6-6, 210) vs. DeMar DeRozan (6-7, 216)
PG Donald Sloan (6-3, 205) vs. Ben Uzoh (6-3, 205) 
INACTIVE LIST
Cavs – C Anderson Varejao, F Luke Harangody
Raptors - F Gary Forbes, G Jerryd Bayless

OFFICIALS
John Goble,  Kane Fitzgerald,  Olandis Poole



























 










 






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