NBA -- Cavs rock Spurs in battle of giants
By Homer D. Sayson
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 31 Jan 2016
CHICAGO -- Though universally acknowledged as the team to beat in the Eastern Conference this season, the Cleveland Cavaliers has had trouble measuring up against the best in the NBA.
Entering Saturday night's tiff at their home lair in Cleveland, the Cavs were a combined 0-5 against the Golden State Warriors, the San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls.
That win-less streak, however, ended emphatically when the Cavs got some payback and demolished the visiting Spurs, 117-103, at the Quicken Loans Arena.
The Cavs' recharged offense, which shot 54.9 percent from the field (45-of-82) and sank 9 of 23 triples, proved to be the Spurs' waterloo.
LeBron James paced Cleveland with an all-around fare of 29 points, five rebounds and seven assists while Kevin Love swished 3-of-6 triples to finish with 21. Kyrie Irving also had 21 and he added six helpers while running the offense smoothly and efficiently.
"The Big 3 came through for us. It gives us confidence to know that we can beat a great team like the San Spurs, "Cavs head coach Tyronn Lue told the Associated Press. Since taking over the reins from the fired David Blatt, Lue now has four wins against a lone defeat.
The Cavs improved to 34-12 while the Spurs fell to 39-8, four games behind the juggernaut Warriors for the best overall record in the league.
"They pushed the ball. We made too many mistakes and against a good team you can't do that," said Tony Parker, who ended up with 13 points and six assists for the Spurs.
Kawhi Leonard led San Antonio with 24 and six boards while LaMarcus Aldridge had 15 points. Tim Duncan did not play.
Photo: Cavs forward Kevin Love defies Manu Ginobili of the Spurs at the Q Arena in Cleveland where the Cavs bested San Antonio, 117-103.
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