The Cleveland Cavaliers almost stole the game in LeBron James’ return after coming back from 19, but the Phoenix Suns held on to get the 107-100 win on Tuesday night.
James, who missed the last eight games with knee and back issues, returned in a mighty way, producing a team-high 33 points, seven rebounds and five assists. He proved the two-week rest did him some good. He had an extra gear, some pep in his step.
To demonstrate how well he was feeling, his first field goal was a baseline reverse slam in traffic that rocked U.S. Airways Center.
In the midst of the 19-point deficit in the third, J.R. Smith scored 15 of his 29 points in the quarter. To cap it off, he stole an inbounds pass with five seconds remaining and nailed a turnaround 3-pointer to enter the fourth down 85-79.
Five minutes later James sliced to the basket and found a rolling Tristan Thompson for a two-handed dunk that gave the Cavaliers a 90-88 lead. A well-coached Suns team maintained its composure and finished the game off with its 23rd win of the season.
Phoenix’s Markieff Morris went to work on Kevin Love in the midpost area, facing him up for drives to the baskets and midrange jumpers. Love was targeted as Morris scored 16 of his 35 points in the first half.
Cleveland (19-20) allowed Phoenix to shoot 53 percent in the game. Their pick-and-roll defense was poor. They have lost six straight and 10 of their last 12 games.
Kyrie Irving only had nine points on 4-of-14 shooting to go with six assists. Thompson supplied 10 points and six boards off the bench.
Click here to read more of this story.
About Marion Online Sports
