Written by Jesse Lamovsky

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Not everyone got what they wanted out of Philadelphia’s 103-87 victory over the Cavaliers Wednesday night at the Q, but everyone got what they needed. The slumping 76ers needed a win to strengthen their grip on the eighth and final playoff spot; the Cavaliers needed a loss to improve their position in the Draft Lottery. Mission accomplished, for both sides. And much of that was due to a third-quarter explosion by Philadelphia guard Jru Holiday.

Bank Holiday: Midway through the third period the Cavaliers were right in the ballgame, down 62-59. Then the 76ers- or more precisely, Jru Holiday- went off. The third-year pro from UCLA scored 14 points in four minutes, including four straight three-point bombs. Keyed by Holiday, Philadelphia ripped off a 19-0 run to take an 81-59 lead and end the competitive portion of the game. Holiday would finish the night with a game-high 24 points, including 6-of-6 from three-point range.

Slump-Busters: Philadelphia came into the night locked in the throes of a two-month slump. Since starting the season 20-9, the 76ers were 11-21 and reduced to fighting it out with Milwaukee for the eighth playoff spot. None of that seemed to matter on Wednesday, as Philadelphia shot 52.4 percent, hit 9-of-15 from beyond the arc, dished out 32 assists and pounded the Cavaliers on the boards, 51-39. In addition to Holiday’s heroics the 76ers got a stat-sheet stuffer out of Andre Iguodala, who finished with 19 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals and a block.

Look Who’s Back: Kyrie Irving was in the lineup for the first time since injuring his right shoulder two weeks ago, and didn’t perform too badly. Playing only twenty minutes, Irving scored nine points on 4-of-10 shooting with four assists and three rebounds.

Terrific Tristan: It may be an exaggeration to say Tristan Thompson was “terrific” on Wednesday, but he was certainly solid. The rookie hit 5-of-6 from the field- three of those makes on thunderous dunks- and finished with 12 points and 5 rebounds in 23 minutes of action.

Lackluster: Thompson’s performance was at least something to get excited about, which can’t be said when it came to the rest of the team. Lester Hudson and Samardo Samuels led the way with 15 points apiece; Antawn Jamison added 11 on 5-of-13 shooting. No one for Cleveland had more than five rebounds, which speaks to Philadelphia’s domination of the backboards as well as its hot shooting (when a team shoots 52.4 percent there’s a shortage of defensive rebounds to be had.)

Now, on to the Important Thing: Which is, of course, Lottery position. Here is how the race looks at the conclusion of Wednesday’s action:

Charlotte (7-54: --)

Washington (16-46: 8.5)

New Orleans (19-43: 11.5)

Sacramento (20-42: 12.5)

Cleveland (20-41: 13)

Toronto (22-41: 14)

New Jersey (22-41: 14)

Golden State (22-39: 14.5)

Detroit (23-39: 15.5)

As you can see, Cleveland presently holds the fifth spot in the Lottery and can finish as high as third. The remaining schedule is rather favorable, at least in terms of losing: three road games against playoff-bound teams in San Antonio, Memphis and Chicago, with two at home against the Knicks and Wizards. A 1-4 finish will put the Cavaliers at 21-45, a mark which, with the improved play of the Hornets, may be “good” enough to ensure that third spot.

Next: Friday night at 7:30, when the Knicks come to down for a 7:30 start at the Q.