Cavs Down Wizards

The Cleveland Cavaliers had been victorious over the Washington Wizards in their two previous meetings this season, the first of which was on opening night. Washington was without point guard John Wall for both of those games, and was looking for redemption tonight along the banks of the Cuyahoga River.

This time around, Cleveland was missing their star. Kyrie Irving suffered a sprained left shoulder on Sunday in Toronto, and could be out for the rest of the season. Irving was replaced in the starting lineup by Shaun Livingston, who had started the season in Washington. In fact, Livingston was still a Wizard for both of the two meetings with Cleveland earlier this season.

Cleveland led 50-49 at the half, and went on for a 95-90 victory. The Cavs were led by Dion Waiters with 20 points and 6 assists. Former Wizard Alonzo Gee chipped in 17. Cleveland was only up 91-88 when Shaun Livingston won a crucial jump ball against Nene with 20 seconds left to play, forcing Washington to foul Dion Waiters, who sank two free throws to put the Cavs up for good.

Cavaliers guard Wayne Ellington loses control of the ball on a drive against Wizards guard John Wall (Photo by Tony Dejak- Associated Press)

Despite the loss, John Wall filled up the stat sheet for Washington with 27 points, 14 assists, and 7 rebounds. Emeka Okafor had another double-double, tallying 18 points and 11 rebounds.

Washington heads home tomorrow night to take on Milwaukee at the Verizon Center.