Cavaliers hang on to beat Knicks

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

A laugher nearly turned into a nightmare for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Jordan Clarkson scored 28 points and a basket by Rodney Hood in the fourth quarter gave Cleveland a late lead as the Cavaliers defeated the New York Knicks 113-106 Wednesday after squandering a 22-point lead.

The Cavaliers ended the game on an 8-0 run sparked by Hood’s basket and two free throws by Matthew Dellavedova, who had a season-high 15 points in his first home game for Cleveland since being re-acquired from Milwaukee.

Dellavedova, who became a fan favorite in his first tenure with the Cavaliers from 2013-16, received a standing ovation when he entered in the first quarter. Dellavedova hit his first two 3-pointers in the half, leading to a louder roar with each shot.

“It feels great to be back,” he said. “Big rims here, so it was nice to see a few go in early.”

Dellavedova, who had three 3-pointers, three assists and four rebounds in 22 minutes, led Cleveland’s bench, which outscored New York 64-24. He played in only 12 games with the Bucks, but has averaged 18 minutes in two games with Cleveland

“He did a terrific job,” Cavaliers coach Larry Drew said. “He really hasn’t been playing so we don’t want to burn him out early. He brings so many intangibles and things we need as a team.”

Hood put the Cavaliers in front 107-106 with 23 seconds remaining after New York took a one-point lead on rookie Kevin Knox’s fast-break dunk with 32 seconds left.

Hood scored 23 points and rookie Collin Sexton had 19.