Brooklyn Nets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Live Score, Highlights and Reaction

They never were able to run away with it, but the Cleveland Cavaliers managed to escape Friday with a victory at home against the depleted Brooklyn Nets, 95-91. 

After a Cavaliers 15-0 run to end the first and a 12-0 Brooklyn run immediately after, it was a back-and-forth contest most of the way. LeBron James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving all struggled with their shooting, combining for a 14-of-46 clip, letting the Nets—despite their 16 turnovers—remain in the game the entire second half. 

It was especially impressive considering Brooklyn was without Brook Lopez and lost Deron Williams with a strained calf in the second quarter. Mason Plumlee and Jarrett Jack were the reserves called upon, and both played well in unfamiliar roles. 

Plumlee was in foul trouble all night logging his third in the opening minutes of the second quarter, but his play was encouraging for Brooklyn over his 29 minutes. He totaled 14 points, nine boards and three blocks as the team's starting center. With the Nets' second unit struggling to score already—an issue that could get even worse if Jarrett Jack is forced to start in light of the Williams injury—Lionel Hollins could consider bringing Lopez off the bench to bolster that reserve squad. 

Mike Miller was on fire from three-point range all night, nailing seven of his eight looks from distance totaling 21 points. James led the Cavs with 22 to go along with nine assists, while Love struggled mightily, shooting just 1-of-10, though he grabbed 14 rebounds. It's also worth noting that Dion Waiters logged just seven minutes after a poor performance in the first half off the bench.

The Cavaliers move to 16-10 with the win, creeping closer to the top of the conference, currently held down by the Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards. Now at 10-16, the Nets have lost three straight and six of their last eight.