CLEVELAND, OH – The Cavaliers and Nets put on a show for fans on Monday night at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in a back-and-forth showdown.
Unfortunately for Cleveland, Spencer Dinwiddie made the game-winning shot with 1.6 seconds left and Brooklyn held on for a 108-106 win.
Larry Nance Jr. led the Cavs with 20 points and 13 rebounds. Jordan Clarkson scored 16 fourth quarter points, finishing with 23 points.
“You can see why Brooklyn is playing so well right now, they’ve got a great chemistry to their team,” head coach John Beilein said. “Spencer Dinwiddie put on a clinic of how to keep your team under control."
The Cavaliers’ rallied from a 106-97 deficit late in the fourth quarter. Both Collin Sexton and Clarkson made critical baskets for the Cavs during their 9-0 run.
Cleveland tied the game at 106 in the final minute. Both Clarkson and Sexton had their shot blocked on the final possession, which gave the Nets the chance to win. Dinwiddie took advantage of the situation with a perfect jump shot from the top of the key to give Brooklyn the win.
“They just cleared the floor and went one-on-one, and he just rose up over Cedi,” Beilein said. “Just rose up over him and shot it in. A stop-and-pop.”
Darius Garland made three 3-pointers for the Cavs and finished with 11 points. Cedi Osman had 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting.
Kevin Porter Jr. had flashes of brilliance on Monday night. He finished with five points, five rebounds and a career-high seven assists. Porter also had the highlight of the night – a dazzling two-handed dunk in transition.
Kevin Porter Jr. brought the house down with this dunk #Cavs pic.twitter.com/MUVJBNnlRe
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) November 26, 2019The Cavaliers fall to 5-12 this season. They're 1-7 in their last eight games.
No Love
Five-time All-Star Kevin Love missed his second straight game with a lower back contusion. Love was a game-time decision. He went through warm-ups and was a full participant in Tuesday’s shootaround.
Here’s a look at Kevin Love and Darius Garland getting up shots today at shootaround. Love is expected to return to action tonight against the Nets after missing Saturdays game with back soreness. He’s officially questionable. pic.twitter.com/JXChumkbPU
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) November 25, 2019Love wasn’t the only All-Star that didn’t play on Monday. Former Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving didn’t make the trip due to a shoulder injury that is expected to keep him out for a few more games.
Up Next
The Cavaliers’ homestand continues on Wednesday against the Magic. Cleveland is 0-1 against Orlando this season. The Cavs lost the season opener to the Magic 94-85.
