OKLAHOMA CITY — Coach Byron Scott and the Cleveland Cavaliers have found a new way to maximize rookie Kyrie Irving’s closing skills when it matters the most.Antawn Jamison scored 21 points, Irving orchestrated a decisive run in the final 3 minutes and the Cleveland Cavaliers snapped Oklahoma City’s 14-game home winning streak by beating the Thunder 96-90 on Friday night.For the second straight game, Scott closed the game with a three-guard lineup featuring the 6-foot-9 Jamison as the only player taller than 6-6. It paid off with the team’s first back-to-back road wins of the season.”It allows the lane to open up that much more …. I’m able to attack. The basket just seems that much more open than when we have our bigs in.”No offense to our bigs,” Irving said with a smile, “but we didn’t need them tonight.”The Cavaliers kept it close by turning the normally fast-breaking Thunder into a half-court team. Oklahoma City converted only three transition baskets until trying to make a dramatic comeback in the final minute.”We just made it a point of emphasis before the game just to stop the transition points. They do a heck of a job of getting alley-oop, dunks and highlight plays, so we just wanted to limit that tonight,” said Irving, the No. 1 pick in last year’s draft.Neither team led by more than five until the final minute, when the Cavaliers were putting the finishing touches on a 12-0 run spearheaded by Irving.Irving drove for a pair of layups to put Cleveland ahead and then found Jamison wide open under the basket for a layup to make it 90-85.”That lineup is probably our best lineup right now, especially closing out games,” Scott said. “I think it gives teams problems as far as matching up with us.”Kevin Durant tried to lead Oklahoma City back, but missed on a pair of 3-point attempts. He finished with 23 points and Russell Westbrook scored 19 for the Thunder.”We just couldn’t get stops when we needed to,” said top reserve James Harden, who scored 15. “We didn’t rebound the ball and they made some big shots.”The Cavaliers finished with a 51-40 edge on the boards, including 21 offensive rebounds.”We were a step slow,” Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks said. “We turned it over (17 times) and gave up too many offensive rebounds. I think that’s the game right there.”Cleveland had lost six in a row before Irving hit the game-winner in a 100-99 victory at Denver, the NBA’s highest-scoring team. The Cavs followed it with an even more impressive defensive performance against the Thunder, third in the league with 102.3 points per game.Oklahoma City was limited to its lowest-scoring total at home all season, falling to 17-2 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena.”We were able to come in and do this to one of the most explosive offensive teams in the league and a team that doesn’t lose at home,” Jamison said. “For us to come in and stay focused and get that type of victory, this is by far the biggest win of the season.”The Cavs, who allow the league’s second-fewest fastbreak points per game, kept it close by allowing only two transition baskets by the Thunder in the first half to trail 51-49. Then, they were able to duplicate that effort while allowing only 38 points after halftime.”That was our No. 1 goal was to make them a half-court team and take away transition baskets,” Scott said. “The only way we could do that, No. 1 you’ve got to run your offense and get good shots and No. 2 you can’t turn it over a bunch of times.”The Thunder had a season-high 31 points on the fast break in their previous game against Phoenix but managed only 15 — two below their average — in this one. Five of those came in the final 44.4 seconds, after Anthony Parker’s free throw gave Cleveland its largest lead at 94-85.”We just made it a point to make sure we always had two guys back for sure. Sometimes we were yelling at guys that were in the corner to make sure they start getting back, so at times it was even three guys. A real concerted effort to make sure we did get back.”Parker had 14 points, Alonzo Gee scored 12 and Irving finished with nine points and 12 assists for Cleveland.Scott said his players finally decided to say, ‘Enough is enough,’ after the six-game losing streak and got their act together on the road.”Obviously that’s a pretty good win, any time you can beat a team this good in their building,” Scott said. “It says a lot about the way our guys came and competed, the way we played.”Notes: Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks said starting guard Thabo Sefolosha had “another good workout” Friday in his rehab from a tendon injury in his right foot but there still is no timetable for his return. Sefolosha has not played since Jan. 27, missing the past 21 games. “I don’t know the exact date but I know that he is getting better, he’s feeling better and we’ll see,” Brooks said. … The Thunder lead the NBA in free throw shooting (80 percent) but opponents also shoot better against them (78.5 percent) than any other team. … Durant has 24 turnovers in his past five games.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP)—Coach Byron Scott and the Cleveland Cavaliers have
found a new way to maximize rookie Kyrie Irving’s closing skills when it matters
the most.

Antawn Jamison scored 21 points, Irving orchestrated a decisive run in the
final 3 minutes and the Cleveland Cavaliers snapped Oklahoma City’s 14-game home
winning streak by beating the Thunder 96-90 on Friday night.

For the second straight game, Scott closed the game with a three-guard
lineup featuring the 6-foot-9 Jamison as the only player taller than 6-6. It
paid off with the team’s first back-to-back road wins of the season.

“It allows the lane to open up that much more …. I’m able to attack. The
basket just seems that much more open than when we have our bigs in.

“No offense to our bigs,” Irving said with a smile, “but we didn’t need
them tonight.”

The Cavaliers kept it close by turning the normally fast-breaking Thunder
into a half-court team. Oklahoma City converted only three transition baskets
until trying to make a dramatic comeback in the final minute.

“We just made it a point of emphasis before the game just to stop the
transition points. They do a heck of a job of getting alley-oop, dunks and
highlight plays, so we just wanted to limit that tonight,” said Irving, the No.
1 pick in last year’s draft.

Neither team led by more than five until the final minute, when the
Cavaliers were putting the finishing touches on a 12-0 run spearheaded by
Irving.

Irving drove for a pair of layups to put Cleveland ahead and then found
Jamison wide open under the basket for a layup to make it 90-85.

“That lineup is probably our best lineup right now, especially closing out
games,” Scott said. “I think it gives teams problems as far as matching up
with us.”

Kevin Durant tried to lead Oklahoma City back, but missed on a pair of
3-point attempts. He finished with 23 points and Russell Westbrook scored 19 for
the Thunder.

“We just couldn’t get stops when we needed to,” said top reserve James
Harden, who scored 15. “We didn’t rebound the ball and they made some big
shots.”

The Cavaliers finished with a 51-40 edge on the boards, including 21
offensive rebounds.

“We were a step slow,” Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks said. “We turned
it over (17 times) and gave up too many offensive rebounds. I think that’s the
game right there.”

Cleveland had lost six in a row before Irving hit the game-winner in a
100-99 victory at Denver, the NBA’s highest-scoring team. The Cavs followed it
with an even more impressive defensive performance against the Thunder, third in
the league with 102.3 points per game.

Oklahoma City was limited to its lowest-scoring total at home all season,
falling to 17-2 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena.

“We were able to come in and do this to one of the most explosive offensive
teams in the league and a team that doesn’t lose at home,” Jamison said. “For
us to come in and stay focused and get that type of victory, this is by far the
biggest win of the season.”

The Cavs, who allow the league’s second-fewest fastbreak points per game,
kept it close by allowing only two transition baskets by the Thunder in the
first half to trail 51-49. Then, they were able to duplicate that effort while
allowing only 38 points after halftime.

“That was our No. 1 goal was to make them a half-court team and take away
transition baskets,” Scott said. “The only way we could do that, No. 1 you’ve
got to run your offense and get good shots and No. 2 you can’t turn it over a
bunch of times.”

The Thunder had a season-high 31 points on the fast break in their previous
game against Phoenix but managed only 15—two below their average—in this
one. Five of those came in the final 44.4 seconds, after Anthony Parker’s free
throw gave Cleveland its largest lead at 94-85.

“We just made it a point to make sure we always had two guys back for sure.
Sometimes we were yelling at guys that were in the corner to make sure they
start getting back, so at times it was even three guys. A real concerted effort
to make sure we did get back.”

Parker had 14 points, Alonzo Gee scored 12 and Irving finished with nine
points and 12 assists for Cleveland.

Scott said his players finally decided to say, `Enough is enough,’ after the
six-game losing streak and got their act together on the road.

“Obviously that’s a pretty good win, any time you can beat a team this good
in their building,” Scott said. “It says a lot about the way our guys came and
competed, the way we played.”

Notes: Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks said starting guard Thabo Sefolosha
had “another good workout” Friday in his rehab from a tendon injury in his
right foot but there still is no timetable for his return. Sefolosha has not
played since Jan. 27, missing the past 21 games. “I don’t know the exact date
but I know that he is getting better, he’s feeling better and we’ll see,”
Brooks said. … The Thunder lead the NBA in free throw shooting (80 percent)
but opponents also shoot better against them (78.5 percent) than any other team.
… Durant has 24 turnovers in his past five games.

Coach Byron Scott and the Cleveland Cavaliers have found a new way to maximize rookie Kyrie Irving’s closing skills when it matters the most.

Antawn Jamison scored 21 points, Irving orchestrated a decisive run in the final 3 minutes and the Cleveland Cavaliers snapped Oklahoma City’s 14-game home winning streak by beating the Thunder 96-90 on Friday night.

For the second straight game, Scott closed the game with a three-guard lineup featuring the 6-foot-9 Jamison as the only player taller than 6-6. It paid off with the team’s first back-to-back road wins of the season.

“It allows the lane to open up that much more …. I’m able to attack. The basket just seems that much more open than when we have our bigs in.

“No offense to our bigs,” Irving said with a smile, “but we didn’t need them tonight.”

The Cavaliers kept it close by turning the normally fast-breaking Thunder into a half-court team. Oklahoma City converted only three transition baskets until trying to make a dramatic comeback in the final minute.

“We just made it a point of emphasis before the game just to stop the transition points. They do a heck of a job of getting alley-oop, dunks and highlight plays, so we just wanted to limit that tonight,” said Irving, the No. 1 pick in last year’s draft.

Neither team led by more than five until the final minute, when the Cavaliers were putting the finishing touches on a 12-0 run spearheaded by Irving.

Irving drove for a pair of layups to put Cleveland ahead and then found Jamison wide open under the basket for a layup to make it 90-85.

“That lineup is probably our best lineup right now, especially closing out games,” Scott said. “I think it gives teams problems as far as matching up with us.”

Kevin Durant tried to lead Oklahoma City back, but missed on a pair of 3-point attempts. He finished with 23 points and Russell Westbrook scored 19 for the Thunder.

“We just couldn’t get stops when we needed to,” said top reserve James Harden, who scored 15. “We didn’t rebound the ball and they made some big shots.”

The Cavaliers finished with a 51-40 edge on the boards, including 21 offensive rebounds.

“We were a step slow,” Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks said. “We turned it over (17 times) and gave up too many offensive rebounds. I think that’s the game right there.”

Cleveland had lost six in a row before Irving hit the game-winner in a 100-99 victory at Denver, the NBA’s highest-scoring team. The Cavs followed it with an even more impressive defensive performance against the Thunder, third in the league with 102.3 points per game.

Oklahoma City was limited to its lowest-scoring total at home all season, falling to 17-2 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena.

“We were able to come in and do this to one of the most explosive offensive teams in the league and a team that doesn’t lose at home,” Jamison said. “For us to come in and stay focused and get that type of victory, this is by far the biggest win of the season.”

The Cavs, who allow the league’s second-fewest fastbreak points per game, kept it close by allowing only two transition baskets by the Thunder in the first half to trail 51-49. Then, they were able to duplicate that effort while allowing only 38 points after halftime.

“That was our No. 1 goal was to make them a half-court team and take away transition baskets,” Scott said. “The only way we could do that, No. 1 you’ve got to run your offense and get good shots and No. 2 you can’t turn it over a bunch of times.”

The Thunder had a season-high 31 points on the fast break in their previous game against Phoenix but managed only 15 — two below their average — in this one. Five of those came in the final 44.4 seconds, after Anthony Parker’s free throw gave Cleveland its largest lead at 94-85.

“We just made it a point to make sure we always had two guys back for sure. Sometimes we were yelling at guys that were in the corner to make sure they start getting back, so at times it was even three guys. A real concerted effort to make sure we did get back.”

Parker had 14 points, Alonzo Gee scored 12 and Irving finished with nine points and 12 assists for Cleveland.

Scott said his players finally decided to say, ‘Enough is enough,’ after the six-game losing streak and got their act together on the road.

“Obviously that’s a pretty good win, any time you can beat a team this good in their building,” Scott said. “It says a lot about the way our guys came and competed, the way we played.”

NOTES  Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks said starting guard Thabo Sefolosha had “another good workout” Friday in his rehab from a tendon injury in his right foot but there still is no timetable for his return. Sefolosha has not played since Jan. 27, missing the past 21 games. “I don’t know the exact date but I know that he is getting better, he’s feeling better and we’ll see,” Brooks said. … The Thunder lead the NBA in free throw shooting (80 percent) but opponents also shoot better against them (78.5 percent) than any other team. … Durant has 24 turnovers in his past five games.

Coach Byron Scott and the Cleveland Cavaliers have found a new way to maximize rookie Kyrie Irving’s closing skills when it matters the most.

Antawn Jamison scored 21 points, Irving orchestrated a decisive run in the final 3 minutes and the Cleveland Cavaliers snapped Oklahoma City’s 14-game home winning streak by beating the Thunder 96-90 on Friday night.

For the second straight game, Scott closed the game with a three-guard lineup featuring the 6-foot-9 Jamison as the only player taller than 6-6. It paid off with the team’s first back-to-back road wins of the season.

“It allows the lane to open up that much more …. I’m able to attack. The basket just seems that much more open than when we have our bigs in.

“No offense to our bigs,” Irving said with a smile, “but we didn’t need them tonight.”

The Cavaliers kept it close by turning the normally fast-breaking Thunder into a half-court team. Oklahoma City converted only three transition baskets until trying to make a dramatic comeback in the final minute.

“We just made it a point of emphasis before the game just to stop the transition points. They do a heck of a job of getting alley-oop, dunks and highlight plays, so we just wanted to limit that tonight,” said Irving, the No. 1 pick in last year’s draft.

Neither team led by more than five until the final minute, when the Cavaliers were putting the finishing touches on a 12-0 run spearheaded by Irving.

Irving drove for a pair of layups to put Cleveland ahead and then found Jamison wide open under the basket for a layup to make it 90-85.

“That lineup is probably our best lineup right now, especially closing out games,” Scott said. “I think it gives teams problems as far as matching up with us.”

Kevin Durant tried to lead Oklahoma City back, but missed on a pair of 3-point attempts. He finished with 23 points and Russell Westbrook scored 19 for the Thunder.

“We just couldn’t get stops when we needed to,” said top reserve James Harden, who scored 15. “We didn’t rebound the ball and they made some big shots.”

The Cavaliers finished with a 51-40 edge on the boards, including 21 offensive rebounds.

“We were a step slow,” Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks said. “We turned it over (17 times) and gave up too many offensive rebounds. I think that’s the game right there.”

Cleveland had lost six in a row before Irving hit the game-winner in a 100-99 victory at Denver, the NBA’s highest-scoring team. The Cavs followed it with an even more impressive defensive performance against the Thunder, third in the league with 102.3 points per game.

Oklahoma City was limited to its lowest-scoring total at home all season, falling to 17-2 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena.

“We were able to come in and do this to one of the most explosive offensive teams in the league and a team that doesn’t lose at home,” Jamison said. “For us to come in and stay focused and get that type of victory, this is by far the biggest win of the season.”

The Cavs, who allow the league’s second-fewest fastbreak points per game, kept it close by allowing only two transition baskets by the Thunder in the first half to trail 51-49. Then, they were able to duplicate that effort while allowing only 38 points after halftime.

“That was our No. 1 goal was to make them a half-court team and take away transition baskets,” Scott said. “The only way we could do that, No. 1 you’ve got to run your offense and get good shots and No. 2 you can’t turn it over a bunch of times.”

The Thunder had a season-high 31 points on the fast break in their previous game against Phoenix but managed only 15 — two below their average — in this one. Five of those came in the final 44.4 seconds, after Anthony Parker’s free throw gave Cleveland its largest lead at 94-85.

“We just made it a point to make sure we always had two guys back for sure. Sometimes we were yelling at guys that were in the corner to make sure they start getting back, so at times it was even three guys. A real concerted effort to make sure we did get back.”

Parker had 14 points, Alonzo Gee scored 12 and Irving finished with nine points and 12 assists for Cleveland.

Scott said his players finally decided to say, ‘Enough is enough,’ after the six-game losing streak and got their act together on the road.

“Obviously that’s a pretty good win, any time you can beat a team this good in their building,” Scott said. “It says a lot about the way our guys came and competed, the way we played.”

NOTES  Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks said starting guard Thabo Sefolosha had “another good workout” Friday in his rehab from a tendon injury in his right foot but there still is no timetable for his return. Sefolosha has not played since Jan. 27, missing the past 21 games. “I don’t know the exact date but I know that he is getting better, he’s feeling better and we’ll see,” Brooks said. … The Thunder lead the NBA in free throw shooting (80 percent) but opponents also shoot better against them (78.5 percent) than any other team. … Durant has 24 turnovers in his past five games.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Antawn Jamison scored 21 points and Kyrie Irving orchestrated a decisive run in the final 3 minutes and the Cleveland Cavaliers snapped Oklahoma City’s 14-game home winning streak by beating the Thunder 96-90 on Friday night.

The Cavaliers scored their first consecutive road wins of the season by turning the normally fast-breaking Thunder into a half-court team. Oklahoma City converted only three transition baskets until trying to make a dramatic comeback in the final minute.

Neither team led by more than five until the final minute, when the Cavaliers were putting the finishing touches on a 12-0 run spearheaded by Irving.

Irving drove for a pair of layups to put Cleveland ahead and then found Jamison wide open under the basket for a layup to make it 90-85.

Kevin Durant tried to lead Oklahoma City back, but missed on a pair of 3-point attempts. He finished with 23 points and Russell Westbrook scored 19 for the Thunder.

Are the Cleveland Cavaliers in trouble after showing early promise this season?

The Cavaliers at 13-23 have lost five straight games, and with the look of their schedule, there appears to be no relief in sight.

“This month will be very tough with the opponents we are going to be playing,” coach Byron Scott said. “We have to let the guys know we have a lot of faith in them. We feel if we play the right way and do the right things, we have an opportunity. That’s all you can ask for.”

It is difficult to be too hard on this young team. Rookie point guard Kyrie Irving has only a handful of college games under his belt and is expected to lead a team at the highest level. Thankfully he has a plethora of natural talent, but Derrek Rose he is not. As for Tristan Thompson, the same holds true. With just one year of college ball under his belt, he is very much playing a learn-as-you-go caliber of play.

On the bright side, they will be an improved pair next season. The bumps and bruises just hurt right now.

For the Nuggets, Danilo Gallinari and Nene Hilario may continue to play off the bench while still recovering from injury. If Cleveland can take advantage of this, they might just have a chance.

The matchup…

The Cleveland Cavaliers will take on the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center located in Denver, Colorado on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at 9 p.m. EST.

The standings…

Cleveland comes into the game with a six game losing streak paired with a 13-23 record. They are 5-11 on the road and have won just three of their last 10 games.

Denver enters the matchup with a four game winning streak and a 22-17 record. They are 11-8 on their home court and have won five of their last 10 games.

The season series…

This is the first meeting between the two teams this season.

Where to watch…

The game can be watched live nationwide with NBA League Pass or followed on your mobile device with NBA Game Time.

In Cleveland: FS-O

In Denver: ALT

The season statistic leaders…

Cleveland: Kyrie Irving 18.6 PPG, Ramon Sessions 5.1 APG, Anderson Varejao 11.5 RPG.

Denver: Danilo Gallinari 16.5 PPG, Ty Lawson 6.8 APG, Nene Hilario 7.6 RPG.

Injuries to note…

Cleveland: Anderson Varejao (broken right wrist).

Denver: Rudy Fernandez (lower back strain), Danilo Gallinari (left ankle sprain), Kosta Koufos (knee tendinitis), Timofey Mozgov (left ankle), Nene Hilario (strained left calf).

More Cleveland Cavaliers Commentary from this Contributor:

Utah Jazz at Cleveland Cavaliers, March 5, 2012: Fan Preview

Cleveland Cavaliers at Washington Wizards, March 3, 2012 – Fan Preview

Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers, March 2, 2012 – Fan Preview

Cleveland Cavaliers fall to New Orleans 89-84: A fan’s reaction

Cleveland Cavaliers top Pistons, Shaq comments on Irving: A fan’s reaction

Sources:

All data provided by NBA.com

Paul Rados is an avid Cleveland Cavaliers fan and a Featured Contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Follow him on Twitter @PSRados or leave him a message on Facebook. For a complete look at his freelance work please visit his Blog.

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March 6, 2012 – NBA Development League (D-League)
NEW YORK, March 6, 2012 – The Cleveland Cavaliers today re-assigned forwards Christian Eyenga and Luke Harangody to the Canton Charge, the Cavaliers’ NBA Development League affiliate. The assignments mark the 46th and 47th time NBA players have been assigned to their NBA D-League affiliate during the 2011-12 season, and are the second assignments for both players this year.

Eyenga (6-7, 210) returns to the Charge following a nine-game assignment in January, when he averaged 8.9 points and 4.1 rebounds. In six games for the Cavaliers this season, he is averaging 1.5 points, 2.0 rebounds and 13.8 minutes.

Harangody (6-7, 245) will begin his second stint with the Charge, having played in three games for the team in January, when he averaged 13.3 points and 8.7 rebounds. In 15 games with Cleveland this season, he is averaging 1.6 points, 1.9 rebounds and 7.9 minutes.

Cavaliers’ fans can stay in step with Eyenga and Harangody, who are expected to join the Charge today and be available on Thursday, March 8 when the team travels to face the Springfield Armor, by logging onto nba.com/futurecast to watch all of Canton’s games live, online, for free.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Seven days ago, Kyrie Irving was basking in the afterglow of a breakout performance at All-Star Weekend and the Cavaliers were readying for a playoff push that included games against the two teams directly ahead of them in the standings.

This morning, a run-down Irving is trying to regain his health after taking ill last week and his teammates are dressing their wounds from four straight losses to Eastern Conference opponents.

How have the Cavaliers’ fortunes swung so dramatically? There are multiple factors to consider as they carry a season-long, five-game losing streak into Monday’s game against Utah at The Q.

• Deficiencies the Cavaliers have overcome all season are catching up to them.

• The impact of Anderson Varejao’s absence is growing.

• And veteran teams are focusing on their postseason runs and Irving and the Cavaliers no longer are sneaking up on opponents.

Here’s the anatomy of a losing streak.

Too much from too few: Nobody would ever consider dubbing Irving and Antawn Jamison the Big Two. But the Cavaliers remain almost totally reliant on them for offense. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Cleveland has the second-largest gap in the league between their second (Jamison) and third-leading (Varejao) scorers at 6.6 points.

Small forward Alonzo Gee, inserted into the starting lineup Saturday, and backup point guard Ramon Sessions are the closest thing to alternative options.

The Cavaliers’ 101-98 loss to Washington was just the latest example of how much they depend on the 35-year-old Jamison, averaging 17.4 points. Coach Byron Scott played him 38-plus minutes on the second night of a back-to-back out of necessity.

With Irving ailing, the coach tried to give the power forward about six minutes of rest to open the fourth quarter, but after going scoreless in the first four minutes, he summoned Jamison. The 13-year veteran was held scoreless down the stretch of a game in which he scored 29 points.

Irving, averaging 18.5 points, could have used the four-day respite during All-Star Weekend, but he competed in the Rising Stars Challenge and skills competition.

Varejao factor: When Varejao was not selected as an All-Star reserve, he comforted himself with the fact the Cavaliers were in the playoff hunt. A day later the Brazilian center fractured his wrist. His loss — the Cavaliers are 3-8 without him — is becoming more glaring by the game.

The Cavaliers allowed 100 points or more seven times in their first 24 games, averaging 96.9 points. In the past 11 games, opponents have scored at least 100 on six occasions and averaged 101.6. Think of how many times in the past few weeks opponents have tallied second-chance buckets while their guards have blown through the lane for uncontested layups.

Varejao is averaging 10.8 points, but that total doesn’t necessarily reflect how many possessions he keeps alive with offensive rebounds, tips and hustle plays. Meanwhile, Scott is not satisfied with any of his veteran big-man options — he moved Ryan Hollins into the starting lineup — and is playing rookie power forward Tristan Thompson out of position for long stretches.

The club hopes Varejao can return for the final 25 games, but it could be too late for the playoff run Varejao so desired.

No lead safe: With little more than 16 minutes remaining, the Cavaliers held an eight-point lead Saturday night against an the Wizards, an opponent winless in its previous six games.

Early in the season, the Cavaliers were good at protecting second-half advantages. At the All-Star break they were 9-3 in games in which they led or were tied at halftime and 11-1 in games in which they led or were tied after three quarters.

They lost three such games last week, giving back a 12-point halftime advantage in New York. The Cavaliers are not just squandering leads, but doing so in rapid fashion. The cushion in New York was gone in a matter of minutes. Same for the one in Washington. Rarely are they getting a second-chance basket or 3-point bucket to stifle an opponent’s momentum.

What to do at the two? Shooting guards Anthony Parker and Daniel Gibson were a combined 1-of-10 against the Wizards. Parker, playing through back problems, missed his second potential game-tying, 3-point shot in a week.

The Cavs need a major upgrade at this position, along with small forward, next season. Scott is playing Irving and Sessions together with increasing frequency trying to generate offense.

Why not offer youngster Manny Harris some meaningful minutes? He never left the bench against the Wizards a day after Scott said he wanted to give Harris more playing time.If you consider yourself in the playoff race, every option needs to be exhausted.

The cream rises: The lockout is a distant memory. Veteran players are fit and focused; veteran teams are engaged and gearing up for the playoffs. The Cavs witnessed it this week with Boston, New York and Chicago.

The Cavaliers caught some teams by surprise with how hard they play early in the season. That’s not going to be the case from now until April 26. Good teams shift to another gear at this time of season. Do the Cavaliers have another gear left?

“After the All-Star break is over, teams do come back and try to ramp it up,” Scott said. “A lot of guys come back rejuvenated and ready to go and we tried to relay that message to our guys. I understand how young we are, but you want to at least imprint that in their minds.

“We haven’t had the start we wanted out of the break … and we have to start playing at both ends of the floor if we have a chance for that seventh or eighth spot.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Cavaliers coach Byron Scott got the quick start he desired with the lineup changes made Saturday night at the Verizon Center.

But it was the five players Scott had on the floor early in the fourth quarter that became the story of their latest loss, a 101-98 setback to the Washington Wizards. The combination of Anthony Parker, Ramon Sessions, Daniel Gibson, Omri Casspi and Ryan Hollins generated no offense against an opponent that had dropped six straight games and rolls out of bed surrendering 100 points.

The Cavaliers missed seven consecutive shots to open the quarter and went scoreless for the first 4:13 while Wizards also fumbled for offense. The result is Scott had to return a fatigued Antawn Jamison and an ailing Kyrie Irving earlier than desired.

While Irving responded with 12 points down the stretch, the Cavaliers could not slow Jordan Crawford and John Wall enough to avoid a season-high fifth straight loss. For the second time this week, Parker had a chance to tie it in the waning seconds but missed a 3-point attempt.

“Our second unit couldn’t get anything going offensively and their second unit was terrific and I think that was the difference in the game,” Scott said. “As much as I wanted to give AJ [Jamison] more rest I looked up and said there is no way possible I could keep him on the bench any longer. … I know he’s playing a ton of minutes … but it’s out of necessity.”

The 35-year-old Jamison played 38-plus minutes on the second night of a back-to-back. He finished with 29 points on 11-of-24 shooting and seven rebounds, but was held scoreless in the final 8:29.

Irving added 20 points, while the two new starters, Ryan Hollins (15 points, seven rebounds) and Alonzo Gee (11 points, five rebounds) also were effective.

It was a quiet losers’ locker room as the Cavaliers — who began the week with legitimate playoff aspirations — spoke of finding ways out of their funk. Yes, they have lost to likely postseason participants Boston, New York and Chicago in this stretch. But they also have fallen to New Orleans (9-28) and Washington (8-20).

The Wizards had allowed 13 of their previous 14 opponents to reach the 100-point mark. The Cavaliers appeared as though they would add to the list midway through the third quarter with a 72-64 lead. But they committed three turnovers in the final four-plus minutes as Crawford (31 points) and Wall (24) rallied the Wizards.

In an eight-minute stretch that spanned the final two quarters the Cavaliers were outscored, 18-6.

“A turnover here, not getting back there, those are the things that are killing us,” Jamison said. “We have to find a way to put games away and make it difficult for our opponents.

“You would think there would be a sense of urgency to start the fourth quarter. I don’t know if it’s being tired, but we have to come with a sense of urgency to get a win. We can’t let this drag out.”

The Wizards led by 10 points with 3:44 left, but Irving gave his team hope despite playing at what Scott guessed was “about 75 or 80 percent.” Irving said his body ached on Friday as he sat out the loss to Chicago and that he was just “starting to get my legs back under me.”

Both Jamison and Gee took ill-advised 3-pointers in the final minutes, yet the Cavs still had a chance in the final seconds. Scott said Parker was the second option on the final shot but they couldn’t get the ball to Irving.

Scott benched Semih Erden in favor of Hollins, who had a season-high in points. Gee started in favor of Omri Casspi, who contributed just three points in nine-plus minutes.

A Cleveland Cavaliers-Atlanta Hawks trade of Ramon Sessions for Marvin Williams is starting to make the rounds. At this stage it is really just a rumor, but it is one that has started to pick up steam. The trade makes sense for both teams, especially because neither has to give up a major asset and due to Cleveland still being under the NBA salary cap, the salaries of the two players involved don’t have to match up.

According to The News-Herald, Cavaliers GM Chris Grant even drafted Williams when he was with Atlanta, showing that Grant could have an affinity to acquiring him. Both teams are looking to make a push towards the 2012 Eastern Conference Playoffs, even though the Cavaliers have a bit further to go. Even though Cleveland is at 13-18 this season, it puts the team just one and a half games behind the Boston Celtics (15-17) for the No. 8 seed.

Atlanta is at 20-14 this year, but the team could certainly use a boost on offense and Williams doesn’t seem to fit what the franchise is trying to do. Though this isn’t a trade that would make the front page of sports section in most major cities, it is the type of deal that could net a team that role player that might make the different in March or April. If a trade starts to form though, it’s also possible that Cleveland starts getting better offers for Sessions from teams that need guards even more.

Do you think a trade of Ramon Sessions for Marvin Williams works for both the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks? Does either team have a realistic shot to go deep into the NBA postseason?

While the Cleveland Cavaliers have lost four straight, most recently a 112-91 pounding by the Chicago Bulls on Friday, March 2, it is difficult to assume the team is on another downward spiral. Clearly they were outmatched, but they were also without rookie point guard Kyrie Irving who did not play due to illness.

The Cavaliers made mistakes and excuses cannot be made for that fact. Yes the team is young, and yes they are in a rebuilding phase, but even with that said, basketball fundamentals cannot be forgotten in the process.

“When you play against a team as good as they are—and they are definitely one of the best teams in the league—you can’t have the unforced turnovers that we had,” Coach Byron Scott said. “You can’t make the defensive mistakes that we made. Some of the lapses that we had defensively killed us.”

Thankfully the Cavaliers will have a chance to rebound against a struggling Washington Wizards team. While Cleveland has lost four straight, Washington has lost six. Their abysmal 4-14 home record does not hurt the cause. As long as Cleveland still has their legs after playing the night before and traveling, there is a very strong shot they can pick up the win and snap their losing streak.

The matchup…

The Cleveland Cavaliers will take on the Washington Wizards at the Verizon Center located in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 7 p.m. EST.

The standings…

Cleveland comes into the game having lost their last four games and with a 13-21 record. They are 5-10 on the road and have won just three of their last 10 games.

Washington enters the contest with a 7-28 record and a six game losing streak. They are 4-14 at home and have won just two of their last 10 games.

The season series…

The season series currently stands at 0-0. This will be the first of a three game series throughout the season between the two teams.

Where to watch…

The game can be watched live nationwide with NBA League Pass or—

In Cleveland: FS-O

In Washington, D.C.: CSN

The season statistic leaders…

Cleveland: Kyrie Irving 18.5 PPG, Ramon Sessions 5.3 APG, Anderson Varejao 11.5 RPG.

Washington: John Wall 17.3 PPG, John Wall 7.7 APG, JaVale McGee 8.7 RPG.

Injuries to note…

Cleveland: Anderson Varejao (wrist).

Washington: C Ronny Turiaf (hand), F Andray Blatche (calf), F Rashard Lewis (knee).

More Cleveland Cavaliers Commentary from this Contributor:

Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers, March 2, 2012 – Fan Preview

Cleveland Cavaliers fall to New Orleans 89-84: A fan’s reaction

Cleveland Cavaliers top Pistons, Shaq comments on Irving: A fan’s reaction

Cleveland Cavaliers squeak out a win against Sacramento: A fan’s reaction

Miami Heat, LeBron James dominate Cleveland Cavaliers: A fan’s reaction

Sources:

All data provided by NBA.com

Paul Rados is an avid Cleveland Cavaliers fan and a Featured Contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Follow him on Twitter @PSRados or leave him a message on Facebook. For a complete look at his freelance work please visit his Blog.

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CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers have signed guard Manny Harris to a second 10-day contract.

Harris’ first 10-day deal with the Cavs expired Thursday. Harris played in just one game over the stretch, which included the All-Star break.

Before signing with Cleveland the first time, Harris played 17 games for Canton, the Cavaliers’ affiliate in the NBA’s Development League. He averaged 21.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.7 steals in 32.9 minutes.

Once Harris’ second 10-day contract runs out, the Cavs must sign him for the remainder of the season if they want to keep him.

The Cavs host the Chicago Bulls on Friday night.

Last season, from February 27^th to March 21^st, Samardo Samuels showed that he might just belong in the NBA. He started 10 straight games and averaged 12.8 points and 6. 3 rebounds in over 27 minutes per game. Back then, Cavs coach Byron Scott said Samuels has more talent than Kevin Love and compared him to David West. Despite all of that praise, Samuels was eventually removed from the starting lineup in favor of Ryan Hollins. This season, Samuels doesn’t get much chance to display all of his talents. He is averaging only 12 minutes a game but is a DNP most nights.

From Jamaica to the Cavs

The Jamaican-born big man was among the best high school players in the country in 2008. He ended up at Louisville and was a solid big man for the Cardinals for two years. After averaging 15.3 points and 7.0 rebounds during his sophomore season, he decided to move on. Unfortunately, he didn’t get drafted but he was signed by the Cavs to a multiyear deal.

Samuels’ future

Samuels is a strong guy. He is ready made for moving bodies around in the paint. He is a lousy free throw shooter and needs to work on his passing skills.

Right now, it appears that he has become Scott’s pet project. As an undrafted big man, Scott wants him to play at a high level to earn minutes. With Anderson Varejao out with a fractured wrist, Samuels might get another opportunity to prove he belongs. He is better suited to play power forward where the Cavs have a budding superstar in Tristan Thompson. He and Thompson could lock down that position as soon as next season.

Move Jamison

Moving Antawn Jamison would open up a spot for Samuels to get on the floor. He needs consistent clock to show everyone what he can do. The Kevin Love comparisons might have been a bit off. Maybe Samuels can reach Glen Davis’ level, though.

I have been following the Cavaliers forever. You can follow me on Twitter here. Still want more? Go to my blog.

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