Cleveland led by as many as 15 points, but Portland hung around all game long.
Tristan Thompson led the Cavs with 25 points and nine rebounds. They ran their offense through their veteran center and it worked for most of the night. The Cavaliers were without five-time All-Star Kevin Love, who was out with a sore back.
“He’s not going to help us today,” head coach John Beilein said before the game. “He could probably gut through it, but it’s not advantageous for us or the team tonight or in the future if he tries to gut this through.”
Larry Nance Jr. started in Love’s place and filled in admirably, finishing with 11 points, 12 rebounds and four assists.
Jordan Clarkson was huge down the stretch for the Cavaliers. He made all six of his 3-point attempts and finished with a game-high 28 points. Clarkson scored 14 points in the fourth quarter to propel the Cavaliers to their first win since Nov. 10.
“I was hitting. They kept going to me,” Clarkson said. “I was moving a lot as well, setting screens for people –– just trying to find a way to get open. They did a good job of just finding me. At the same time, I was moving a lot. Just trying to be involved.”
The Cavaliers are off on Sunday, but are back at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Monday to play the Brooklyn Nets. Love is questionable for the matchup. Nets star and former Cavalier Kyrie Irving has been ruled out for the game due to a shoulder injury.