Cavs stay positive amid losing streak

By Jodie Valade

The Cleveland Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND

At this point, after losing 13 straight and 23 of their last 24 games, the Cavaliers are approaching the future with the best possible outlook.

They are thinking positively.

That’s the only way to handle the losing, and the only way to break free from the curse of pessimism that has plagued them in this season of rebuilding.

The Cavaliers lost by 55 points to the L.A. Lakers on their recent road trip.

They were outscored by an average of 26 points in five road losses. They have won only once since Nov. 27.

But Byron Scott has experienced worse in his career. When he played with the expansion Vancouver Grizzlies in 1995, he endured losing streaks of 19 and 23 games.

That was when the one-time member of the Lakers’ Showtime era turned to Coors Light to soothe his woes, though he did not drink alcohol before that.

He hasn’t become that distraught this season. Yet.

“I don’t like losing,” Scott said. “I’ve been in a position on a number of occasions when I’ve had to deal with losing. But I’m a winner. Period. That’s what I’m used to. I’m used to winning. To keep your spirits up, it’s tough after some of the losses we’ve had. But the next day, when I wake up, I always look at it as another opportunity to get better. That’s what keeps me going.”

Antawn Jamison doesn’t remember the longest losing streak of his career — “I tend to forget those moments,” he says — but he knows he has been through worse.

He’s using that experience and his role as team veteran to help him now.

“I had a responsibility of these young guys looking at me; I can’t fold right now,” Jamison said. “I have to stay positive and lead by example, and that’s what I’m going to continue to do. To say that it’s not tough mentally is an understatement. But you have to keep plugging away. Nobody’s going to feel sorry for us.”

Plus, Jamison has perspective. The Cavaliers might have lost to Denver on Saturday with only seven healthy players, and they might have the worst record in the NBA. But it’s still all just a game.

“If these are the only problems I have to deal with in life, I’ll take it,” Jamison said. “There’s a lot of people less fortunate than I am. This is my job, my passion, my love. I enjoy what I do. Even though it’s tough right now, I still enjoy being sore, I still enjoy competing. I don’t enjoy the losses.

“But you know what? I don’t have any regrets. I don’t sit there and think, ‘What else can go wrong today?’ I try to be positive.”

Guard Daniel Gibson (sprained left ankle) is likely to play against the Suns tonight after missing the road trip. Mo Williams (left hip flexor strain) is questionable, and Christian Eyenga (sprained right ankle) likely needs several more days rest, Scott said.

Anthony Parker (back) remains out, and is not expected to return until next week, Scott said.

Additionally, Anderson Varejao is expected to have surgery on the torn tendon in his right ankle this week. That injury should sideline Varejao for the remainder of the season.