James, Mozgov help Cavs make Magic disappear
Associated Press
ORLANDO, Fla.
The Cleveland Cavaliers returned one of their key players on Friday night.
It turned out they didn’t need much from him.
LeBron James had 25 points and eight assists and the Cavaliers rolled past the Orlando Magic 111-76 on Friday night.
Timofey Mozgov added 17 points as Cleveland claimed its 12th straight win over the Orlando.
The game marked the season debut of Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert, who had been out since injuring his right wrist before training camp. He played 25 minutes and made 5 of 7 shots while scoring 14 points.
“It was great to see him back to himself, catching lobs, blocking shots, being aggressive,” James said of Shumpert. “We needed that from him. I know he’s very excited about the way he played tonight. He should be.”
James limped off the court in the first quarter after taking a shot to his quadriceps. But he was able to return after a short rest.
“It’s the second time it’s happened this year and it’s not a great feeling,” James said. “I know I’m going to feel it tonight and tomorrow, but it’s mind over matter at this point, and I was happy I was able to sit in the game in the second half.”
Cleveland never trailed in the game, breaking it open with a spurt late the second quarter. The Cavs started the third quarter with a 20-4 run and led by as many as 40 in the second half.
Shumpert, who played with an outline of “90” shaved into the back of his head in honor of his birth year, said he was comfortable all night.
“It felt great. It was all worth it, the extra work, the extra running, all the trash talk from my teammates to get me ready,” Shumpert said. “I feel good. I could have played some more.”
Nik Vucevic led the Magic with 14 points.
Orlando has lost three of its last four since posting a season-best five-game win streak that put it over .500 for the first time this season.
After being relatively quiet for most of the first half, James caught fire just before halftime, scoring 12 points during a 14-1 Cavaliers’ run that put Cleveland up by 20.
Eight of James’ points during the run came after the Magic inserted rookie Mario Hezonja into the game for the first time.
James quickly exploited the matchup, completing a three-point play after being fouled by Hezonja on a fast break. A few possessions later, he posted up the rookie and slid under him for another basket.
The Magic entered the night averaging 101 points per game, but struggled offensively throughout.