Written by Rich Swerbinsky

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Four Games In Five Nights Catches Up To Cavaliers

Playing their fourth game in five nights, and second of a back-to-back after a night of travel, the Cavaliers seven game winning streak came to an end last night as they were manhandled by the Miami Heat in a 101-73 blowout loss.

The Heat led 19-15, then went on an improbable 22-0 run that ran the score to 41-15 about five minutes into the second quarter.  The Cavaliers went scoreless for nearly ten minutes, putting on a horrifying display of shot selection and accuracy.  The Heat led 52-33 after one half, and 17 of those 33 Cavalier points came courtesy of LeBron James.

The Cavs actually made a pretty remarkable third quarter run that closed the gap to 71-62 at one point.  However, the Heat responded with a 19-1 fourth quarter run of their own that left the Cavaliers dead to rights.

The Cavs had noticably tired legs, and it showed in their shooting.  They shot just 33% (29-86) from the floor on the evening, and made just 9-19 free throws.  They hit just 6-20 from three point range, including a combined 2-10 performance from Damon Jones and Donyell Marshall off the bench.  Jones, who was openly concerned about the reception he would get in his former home, was booed every time he took a shot.

LeBron James ended with 29 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists ... but no one else on the Cavs reached double digits.  Dwayne Wade and Shaquille O'Neal, both named as starters to the All-Star game before this contest, scored 24 and 21 respectively to lead the Heat.

The Cavs return home where they will host the Philadelphia 76ers Saturday.  Allen Iverson will make the trip for Philly, and may play.