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

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Game 54: Cavs at Nets

NEW JERSEY NETS (21-37) 122, CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (18-36) 117 (OT)
Prudential Center
Sunday
Radio/TV: WTAM/Fox Sports Ohio

WHAT HAPPENED: The Cavs stumbled in overtime, but it was a wildly entertaining game between two of the Eastern Conference's also-rans. It was especially fun in the fourth quarter when Nets swingman Gerald Green and Cavs guard Lester Hudson were trading 3-pointers.

Hudson had a career-high 26 points in 29 minutes. He was 9 of 22 from the field, 6 of 12 from behind the arc. He's averaging 24.5 points in his last two.

His 10-day contract expired after Sunday's game. The Cavs' options are to let him walk, sign him to a second 10-day deal or sign him for the rest of the season. I would recommend the latter.

Starting point guard Donald Sloan dished out a career-high 14 assists in 45 minutes.

The Cavs were 2-2 against the Nets this sesason. Sunday's Easter Day game could be the last time the Cavs play in New Jersey. The Nets are expected to move to Brooklyn next year.

The Cavs' starting backcourt of Kyrie Irving (shoulder) and Anthony Parker (sternum) missed the game.

Center Tristan Thompson had 27 points and 12 rebounds the last time he played in New Jersey on March 19. On Sunday, he finished with 15 points, a career-high 15 rebounds and two blocks. That included 10 offensive rebounds.

Speaking of offensive rebounds, he couldn't prevent several offensive rebounds by the Nets in the late going by Sheldon Williams and Kris Humphries.

The Nets decided to shut down center Brook Lopez (foot) for the rest of the season. That puts a lot of the scoring load on point guard Deron Williams, who is averaging 21.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 8.7 assists. He has the NBA highs this year in points (57) and assists (20).


UP NEXT: The Cavs host Charlotte at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Quicken Loans Arena. 

STARTERS
SF Alonzo Gee (6-6, 219) vs. Gerald Wallace (6-7, 220)
PF Antawn Jamison (6-9, 235) vs. Kris Humphries (6-9, 235)
C Tristan Thompson (6-9, 227) vs. Sheldon Williams (6-9, 250)
SG Manny Harris (6-5, 185) vs. MarShon Brooks (6-5, 200)
PG Donald Sloan (6-3, 205) vs. Deron Williams (6-3, 209) 
INACTIVE LIST
Cavs – C Anderson Varejao, F Luke Harangody
Nets - F Damion James, C Brook Lopez

OFFICIALS
Tom Washington , Scott Twardoski,  Leon Wood
 




























 










 






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