Cavaliers survive Wizards’ comeback

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

Larry Nance Jr. wasn’t sure the clock would ever run out Tuesday night.

The Cavaliers’ forward wasn’t the only one. Cleveland nearly blew a 25-point lead in the fourth quarter before holding off Washington’s comeback for a 116-113 win over the Wizards.

“We were at like 32 seconds for three minutes, I swear,” Nance said of the harrowing finish.

The Cavaliers seemed to be on their way to an easy victory most of the night. Jordan Clarkson scored 28 points and Cedi Osman had 26. Cleveland matched a season high with 15 3-pointers and led 105-80 with 6:58 remaining.

Then the Cavaliers, who hit seven of 16 free throws in the final period, nearly fell apart as Washington’s reserves almost pulled out a stunner.

The margin was trimmed to nine, but Cleveland still led 115-103 with 42 seconds remaining. Jordan McRae hit two 3-pointers and Tony Brown Jr. had a layup as the Cavs missed three of four from the line.

McRae’s two foul shots with 18 seconds remaining cut the deficit to three. Osman missed two free throws with 11 seconds left and the Wizards called a timeout to set up a chance to tie the game.

Osman stripped the ball from Brown at the 3-point line and Nance dribbled out the clock.

Ante Zizic had 12 points and 12 rebounds. Nance added 13 points with 11 rebounds.

The Cavaliers, who defeated Chicago on Sunday, won back-to-back games for the second time this season. Cleveland (11-41) had lost 18 of 19 before beating the Bulls.

Bradley Beal scored 31 but Washington lost in Cleveland for the second time this season. The Cavaliers topped the Wizards 116-101 on Dec. 8, a game Cleveland led by 29 points.

The other time the Cavs won consecutive games was Nov. 23-24 when they stunned Philadelphia and Houston. Cleveland also broke a nine-game home losing streak and won at Quicken Loans Arena for the first time since beating New York on Dec. 12.

Trevor Ariza had 13 points. McRae scored 15 points and Gary Payton II had 11 — all in the final quarter.