Nets Cruise in Brooklyn, Send Cavs Back to Cleveland with Fifth Road Loss

The Cleveland Cavaliers played their sixth road game in a row against the Brooklyn Nets, and lost 114-101.

The Cavs were down by as much 24 but rallied back to close the deficit to 10 at the end of the third quarter. Instead of pushing for the comeback with the starters in, coach Byron Scott left Anderson Varejao and Kyrie Irving sitting on the bench. Joe Johnson came off the bench and earned  some of his max contract scoring 16 points in the fourth to help close the game.

The story for Cleveland was Anderson Varejao who finished with a career-high 35 points to go with 18 rebounds. He was an absolute monster all night. He seemed to be around the ball at all times, and in the early goings was the only one who could score for the Cavs. Kyrie Irving caught on later, and had himself a night as well, putting up 34 points. 

Deron Williams had his best game, finishing with 26 points and ten assists. Combined with Joe Johnson, the Nets backcourt accounted for 51 points. With these two players at the top of their game the Nets can compete with anyone in the league.

The deciding factor in the game was depth. Whenever Varejao and Irving were getting some well deserved breathers Cleveland faltered. No other players gave significant support. Waiters didn't even get a bucket until the fourth quarter. When it was all said and done Cleveland had three players in double digits and Brooklyn had five.

The inconsistency of every player outside of Varejao and Irving will cost the Cavs dearly this season. No team an be succesful with two players. Waiters has shown moments of brilliance this season, and it those moments turned to streaks the win column will see a sharp increase. Tristan Thompson and Alonzo Gee need to step up as well. Thompson finished with 14 points against Brooklyn and out forth a decent effort.

Gee on the other hand was absent, and he mailed in a 2-7, 4 point performane. Another vital piece to the puzzle will be solid bench minutes from the likes of Gibson, Leuer, and Walton. Of course C.J. Miles should be on that list, but he has been a disappointment; Scott has completely dropped in from the rotation.
Cavs looks to fix there problems this Saturday when the Dallas Mavericks visit Cleveland. Prediction: if Waiters hits from deep in the Q more than 4 times, Cleveland will win.

Dan Benton

Be sure to check out other great articles at Sports Media 101.