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| Photo by David Maxwell/Getty Images |
The Cleveland Cavaliers (19-17) lost their third straight game, falling to the Houston Rockets at home, 105-93.
Kyrie Irving made his return after a one game absence and did not disappoint, putting up a season-high 38 points and dazzling the crowd with an array of moves that left the Rockets defenders in the dust. Irving virtually did it all for the Cavaliers, as the rest of his teammates combined for 55 points and 33.9 percent shooting.
The one-man show from Irving looked as if it would be enough, as the short-handed Cavaliers lead the Rockets 74-73 after three quarters.
However, the depth of Houston and the lack thereof for Cleveland showed in the final period. 18 of the 32 points scored by the Rockets came from their bench, while the Cavaliers did not get a single point form their bench, a big reason they were out-scored 32-19 in the fourth.
It was also Dwight Howard who showed his prowess as one of the best players at his position, dominating the Cavaliers on both ends in the fourth. He scored nine points and frustrated the Cavaliers on the glass, grabbing eight of his game-high 19 rebounds in the final period. He also was a force on the defensive end, protecting the paint and forcing the Cavaliers into tough shots. Although he didn't record in the block in the fourth, he was a factor in limiting Cleveland to 19 points and 35.3 percent shooting.
James Harden, who is having an MVP-type season, struggled with both shooting from the field (as he has all season) turnovers (finished with seven). He didn't put up his normal scoring numbers, but was effective in other parts of the game, grabbing seven rebounds and dishing out a game-high nine assists. His passing ability was a main reason as to why Houston finished with six players whom scored double figures.
This was the last home game the Cavaliers will have before they head out west for a five-game road trip, in which they face three of the top eight teams in the Western Conference. With LeBron likely to miss at least three of those games, could the Cavaliers be below .500 when he returns?
Three Things:
1. Can we please be healthy?
Of the 13 guys on the current Cavaliers roster, only one player has managed to play all 36 games, and that is Tristan Thompson. LeBron is in the middle of rehabbing his back and leg, Kyrie just came back after nursing a bad knee and Love has battled injuries in seemingly every game. When they are healthy, the Cavaliers are a really good team. When they're not, as are a lot of teams (except the San Antonio Spurs), they are not that good. Just look at the last eight games, in which they have lost seven of them. They're forced to play guys like Matthew Dellavedova and A.J. Price in roles that do not suit them. Once they are finally at full strength, they will be a dangerous team.
2. David Griffin is much better than Chris Grant.
I will say this about Grant: he did flip Mo Williams into Baron Davis and Kyrie Irving, one of the biggest steals of the last couple of years. But outside of that, there wasn't much else that he did that was a benefit for the Cavaliers. Griffin, however, has seemingly done everything right in less than a year he has been on the job. His recent moves of acquiring Iman Shumpert, J.R. Smith and Timofey Mozgov are a big reason to solidify the statement (and the Kevin Love trade, but for now, let's just think in-season). He acquired all three things the Cavaliers needed without giving up too much. It's too early to say if this was a win, but on paper it is exactly that.
3. Should we be concerned?
NO. Seriously, stop worrying.
Statline of the Night:
Dwight Howard: 17 points, 19 rebounds (10 offensive), 6-of-13 shooting.
Howard played big in the fourth quarter, nearly netting a double-double in that period alone (nine points and eight rebounds). His ability to clean the glass, specifically in the fourth quarter, helped the Rockets get the road win in Cleveland.
What's Next:
Jan. 9, on the road against the Golden State Warriors, 10:30 p.m.
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