Cavaliers play well but can’t overcome Spurs

By Tom Reed

Cleveland Plain Dealer

SAN ANTONIO

In the Bizarro world that is late April out-of-contention basketball the Cavaliers had a perfect night Sunday.

They played competitively against one of the NBA’s elite, lost the game and watched teams surrounding them at the bottom of the standings post wins. Nice hustle against the San Antonio Spurs, more ping-pong balls for the hopper and a virtual tie with the victorious Sacramento Kings for the fourth-worst record in the league.

The Cavaliers kept it close for three-plus quarters before falling, 114-98, to the Spurs in front of a sellout crowd in AT&T Center.

Adding to the surreal nature of evening, Cavs coach Byron Scott “congratulated” his team after a 16-point loss. The comment obviously needs some context.

Don’t forget it’s the same opponent that walloped them by 35 points at The Q on April 2, an embarrassing outcome that prompted Antawn Jamison to speak openly about some teammates laughing in the locker room following such defeats.

Yes, the Spurs on Sunday were without Tim Duncan — given the night off by coach Gregg Popovich — but the Cavs were more industrious and focused. They committed just 13 turnovers and were close in most of the statistical categories.

“Obviously, we want to win games, but just showing how hard they have been playing and not taking anything for granted,” said Scott.

“You’re playing against a team that has aspirations of winning a championship. They are one of the best teams in the league. We competed for 48 minutes and that’s all you can ask.”

The Cavs (21-42) spent much of the game trailing by 10 to 12 points.

Scott received a nice effort from Kyrie Irving in his third game back from a right shoulder sprain. The rookie point guard scored 19 points on 8-of-18 shooting. Jamison led the way with 21 points and Manny Harris added 14 points.