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

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Game 11: Cavs at Wizards

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (4-7) 103, WASHINGTON WIZARDS (2-7) 96, OT
Verizon Center
Saturday
Radio/TV: WTAM (1100 AM)/Fox Sports Ohio

WHAT HAPPENED: After starting the season with six consecutive losses on the road, the Cavs finally break into the win column away from home. It's needed, too, since they play two more rough road games next week.

Perhaps the only team in the Eastern Conference more disappointing than the Cavs was their opponent on Saturday. The Wizards, who have the same playoff aspirations as the Cavs, dropped to 2-7 on the season.

In reality, both teams have time to rebound from their poor start. Perhaps, the Cavs' road to recovery started in Washington on Saturday. 

The Cavs outscored the Wizards in overtime, 13-6. Guard Kyrie Irving turned the ball over at the end of regulation. He had a chance to win the game, but Wizards power forward Nene got his hand on the ball. Irving never got off a shot.

Irving was sensational, as he matched his career high with 41 points.He made 14 of 28 shots from the field, 4 of 7 from the 3-point line, and 9 of 9 from the foul line. He scored 41 points against the Knicks last year after he broke a bone in his cheek. He was wearing a black mask last year, as he referred to himself as the Black Knight.

With Dion Waiters missing his second consecutive game with a sickness, Coach Mike Brown struggled to find an adequate replacement against the Wizards. It wasn't until he inserted rookie Matthew Dellavedova into the game that he found what he was looking for.

Delly is like a junkyard dog. He's not overly skilled, but he plays his butt off. He played 31 minutes and had just two points. But he added six rebounds, two assists and two steals. More importantly, he threw a defensive blanket over Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal.

Beal looked early on like he was going to score 35 or 40 points against the Cavs. He came into the game averaging a career-high 19.3 points. However, Delly got physical with him, got up into his space, and really bothered him. Beal still finished with 28 points.

The Cavs snapped a three-game losing streak. They held the Wizards to 39.7 percent from the field. That's what Brown has been looking for. This was a real herky-jerky-type of game.

A lot of the Cavs' problems can be solved on the practice court. After tonight's game, the Cavs have three off days before they host the Wizards on Wednesday. Brown needs to take advantage of that time to whip this bunch into shape.

The Cavs have won four in a row over the Wizards, including their last three at the Verizon Center.

UP NEXT: The Cavs host Washington at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Quicken Loans Arena.

STARTERS
SF Earl Clark (6-10, 234) vs. Martell Webster (6-8, 225)
PF Tristan Thompson (6-9, 236) vs. Nene (6-11, 250)
C Andrew Bynum (7-0, 294) vs. Marcin Gortat (6-11, 240)
SG C.J. Miles (6-6, 231) vs. Bradley Beal (6-5, 195)
PG Kyrie Irving (6-3, 193) vs. John Wall (6-4, 207)
INACTIVE LIST
Cavs - G/F Carrick Felix, G Dion Waiters
Wizards - F Otto Porter, F Chris Singleton
OFFICIALS
Rodney Mott, Courtney Kirkland, Olandis Poole

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