The two-game losing streak to open the season is old news
for the Cleveland Cavaliers, who will shoot for their fourth straight win
tonight versus the Chicago Bulls in the finale of a three-game homestand at
Quicken Loans Arena.
Cleveland dropped games to Boston and Toronto before bouncing back with
victories over Minnesota, Charlotte and Washington. In Tuesday's 102-90
triumph over the Wizards, LeBron James led the way with 27 points, eight
rebounds and six assists, while Cavs newcomer Shaquille O'Neal ended with 21
points and eight boards.
"Early on we couldn't make any shots, but we stayed in the game because of our
defense," James said. "Once we started knocking down shots it brings a lot of
energy to our defense. We just locked down that end."
Daniel Gibson turned in a 14-point effort for the Cavs, who continued their
hot play at home. Last season, Cleveland won its first 23 home games on the
way to a 39-2 mark at Quicken Loans Arena.
Meanwhile, the Bulls avoided a three-game losing streak by handing the
Milwaukee Bucks an 83-81 loss on Tuesday at the United Center. Derrick Rose
finished with 16 points and a healthy Luol Deng added 24 points and a career-
high 20 rebounds for Chicago.
"I felt like I had a lot of energy, even before the game," said Deng, who
missed a lot of time last season with a leg injury. "At halftime we were down
and I felt like we needed energy."
Brad Miller had 13 points with seven rebounds, while Jannero Pargo scored 10
to help the Bulls even their mark at 2-2. Chicago forward Tyrus Thomas (flu)
is expected to miss Thursday's game and did not play against the Bucks.
The Cavaliers won three of four meetings with the Bulls a season ago, and own
a 14-4 mark in the past 18 as the host in this series.
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