Cavaliers hold off the Nets for fifth consecutive victory

Cleveland Cavaliers continue rolling

The Cleveland Cavaliers made it five consecutive victories after thwarting the Brooklyn Nets late to win, 114-107. Figuring in another tight contest, the Cavs’ defense did just enough to limit the formidable Nets who struggled to find baskets in the clutch without superstar Kevin Durant.

Darius Garland continued to star for the Cavaliers with another double-double of 22 points while dishing out 12 assists as he continues to build a solid push for a potential first NBA All-Star appearance.

Cleveland’s other aspiring All-Star Jarrett Allen also tallied a double-double of his own, finishing with 14 points 10 rebounds, and two blocked shots, while shooting a perfect 6-for-6 from the field. Six Cavs players scored in double-figures as the team secured their seventh win in the last 10 games.

On the other side, former Cavalier Kyrie Irving and fellow All-Star James Harden both flirted with triple-doubles: Irving led all scorers with 27 points, while Harden had a 22-7-10 line as the Eastern Conference favorites Nets alternate wins and losses thus far this month.

Cavs climb back up in the standings

With the winning over Brooklyn as well as five of their six games on the road trip prior, the Cavaliers moved back up to fourth place in the East. Now 27-18, the Cavs are now only 1.5 games behind the conference-leading Chicago Bulls in an increasingly competitive division.

Behind the newly-minted NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week in Darius Garland, as well as early-season awardee Jarrett Allen, and barring any more health concerns, this Cleveland team appears to be steamrolling towards a postseason appearance.

Prior to the start of the season, the Cavs were only touted as potential long-shot candidates to compete for a play-in spot, but have surprised analysts with their unorthodox roster that has given them much success and looking more and more like a legitimate playoff team.

As long as they find a way to sustain the momentum, the Cleveland Cavaliers are in a good position to continue climbing up the rankings as they go back out on the road to face the East’s top team Chicago Bulls on January 19.