It took them four tries, but the Cleveland Cavaliers gave their fans what they had been waiting for since last July, a win over the Miami Heat and former Cavs savior LeBron James.
It was the biggest Cavs victory in recent memory, which only underscores the sad state of affairs in Cleveland these days. The Cavs topped the Heat 102-90 in James' second trip back since leaving the team via free agency last summer.
LeBron did not wilt in front of his former fans, who booed him every time he touched the ball. James notched his fourth triple-double of the season, scoring 27 and adding 10 rebounds and 12 assists.
Unfortunately, James was wrong when he predicted this visit to Cleveland couldn't be worse than the Heat's first trip in December. Though the crowd was not as outwardly angry toward James as they were in December, the Quicken Loans Arena nearly erupted as the Cavs closed out the win. Cavs owner Dan Gilbert high-fived as many people as he could at the end of the night.
Miami looked sluggish from the start. The Cavs jumped to a 10-3 lead to open the game, and held an 11-point lead at the half. After extending their lead to 23 midway through the third quarter, it looked as if the Heat were finished.
But Miami clawed back, immediately going on a 19-1 run behind a barrage of scoring from Dwyane Wade. Mike Bibby tied the game in the fourth quarter on a three-pointer with seven minutes to go, but the Heat proceeded to go scoreless for the next four minutes. The Cavs rebuilt a double-digit lead, and that was all she wrote.
Miami will not have to wait long for a chance to forget Tuesday's loss. They face the Wizards in DC Wednesday night.
Sports
David Hill is a Miami native and former owner of a youth replica Rony Seikaly jersey.
