Cavs Back In Form Against Minnesota

The Cleveland Cavaliers rebounded from their recent loss in Atlanta to blow past the Minnesota Timberwolves, 93-70. Although the Cavs were clearly the favorites, they still had to handle their business to earn the win on the road. After tonight's win, these two teams now share opposite records, Cleveland (21-4) and Minnesota (4-21).

Minnesota held their own and matched Cleveland's energy throughout the majority of the game. The Cavs only led by three at the end of the first, 24-21. Delonte West dropped a jumper mid-way through the second quarter which sparked a 11-0 run for the Cavs that put them up, 40-27. The T'Wolves turned it around and closed the quarter on an 11-4 run. By halftime, the Cavs held a six-point lead, 44-38.

The Cavs only outscored the Wolves, 19-18, in the third and led 63-56. 

The story of this game came in the fourth quarter. Lebron James turned up his level of play and crushed all of Minnesota's hopes of winning the ball game. He scored 14 of his game-high 32 points in the fourth quarter, including back-to-back fade-away jumpers to give the Cavs a 19-point lead. He checked out of the game with three minutes left and received a standing ovation from the away crowd, which he acknowledged by putting his hands up.

"You can never be prepared for something like that, being on the road," James said. "It's great. Great fans here. I really appreciate it."

Delonte West followed Lebron with 21-points and Anderson Varejao added 13-points and 11 rebounds in his 3rd consecutive start at center. 

Al Jefferson led the way for Minnesota with 20-points and 11 boards.

With tonight's win, the Cavaliers handed the Timberwolves their 11th straight loss. The Cavs will really have an opportunity to prove themselves on the road on Friday. They will travel to Denver to play the (18-7) Nuggets, who are 16-5 since acquiring Chauncey Billups. This will be the third game of Cleveland's four game road trip.