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LeBron and Cavs hold off T-Wolves 107-97
LeBron James had 26 points with 12 assists, and the Cleveland Cavaliers answered every time Minnesota threatened in the fourth quarter in a 107-97 win over the Timberwolves on Tuesday night.
But this time, the Cavaliers held off the Timberwolves, who made four 3-pointers in the fourth quarter. The last one, by Sam Cassell, brought Minnesota within 99-91 with 1:32 to go.
McInnis, though, hit a pair of free throws and after a miss by Minnesota, Cleveland's point guard fed Drew Gooden in the lane for a dunk — the Cavaliers' 10th slam — to make it 103-91 with 1:09 remaining, ending Minnesota's comeback.
Kevin Garnett had 26 points, 13 rebounds and six assists for the Timberwolves. Cassell added 19 points, and Troy Hudson 15 — 10 in a 2:24 span of the fourth — as Minnesota stormed back.
The Timberwolves played without forward Latrell Sprewell, who sprained his left foot last week.
Hudson made a pair of 3-pointers, and Eddie Griffin drained another as the Timberwolves trimmed a 13-point deficit to 87-82, but the Cavs weren't rattled as James, Ilgauskas and McInnis continually made big plays.
With Ilgauskas scoring 17 points, McInnis 13 and James 12, Cleveland shot 59 percent (24-of-41) from the floor to open a 58-43 halftime lead. The Cavs got 14 of those points on seven dunks, including a spectacular alley-oop by James.
Cleveland's starters outscored Minnesota's first unit in the opening half, 52-33.
Cavaliers rookie forward Anderson Varejao, quickly becoming a Cleveland fan favorite with his hustle and frizzy hairstyle, made a sensational play in the first half.
After ripping the ball from Garnett near the foul line, the 6-foot-10 Brazilian drove the length of the floor, wrapped the ball around his back and scored on a soft, left-handed scoop.
Cavs guard Eric Snow returned from a one-game suspension for his argument with coach Paul Silas and scored four points in 17 minutes. |
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