The Cleveland Cavaliers hope the ship has been righted
after a disappointing start to the season, as they resume a three-game
homestand tonight versus the Washington Wizards at Quicken Loans Arena.
Favored to represent the East in the NBA Finals this year, the Cavs dropped
their first two contests of the 2009-10 campaign before rebounding with
consecutive triumphs, including Saturday's 90-79 victory versus the Charlotte
Bobcats in the opener of the homestand. Mo Williams knocked down 5-of-8 shots
from three-point range and collected 24 points to lead the Cavs, who welcomed
the return of guard Delonte West.
West had been dealing with personal and legal issues from the summer, and
posted 13 points in his 2009-10 debut. Superstar LeBron James added 14 points,
seven rebounds and nine assists for Cleveland.
"He sits out for two weeks and he's right back in the flow," said James. "He's
that type of guy. It wasn't a surprise he was able to come out tonight and
still be in the comfort zone."
The Cavs are 1-1 at home and will also host the Chicago Bulls. Last season,
they won their first 23 home games on the way to a 39-2 mark at Quicken Loans
Arena. The team also won the Central Division title before losing in six games
to the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Washington has won two of its first three games of the season and notched a
123-104 triumph Saturday versus the New Jersey Nets at the Verizon Center.
Gilbert Arenas finished with 32 points and seven assists, while Andray Blatche
recorded a career-high 30 points off the bench for the Wizards, who split a
pair of road contests to begin the 2009-10 campaign. Randy Foye added 17
points and eight assists in a winning cause.
"He's worked hard in the offseason," Wizards new head coach Flip Saunders said
of Blatche. "He's worked hard as far as even during the season here, so he's
reaping the rewards of his hard work."
Wizards forward Caron Butler is probable for Tuesday's game with a bruised
left knee. Butler did not play in the win over New Jersey.
Washington and Cleveland split a four-game season series a year ago, with each
team winning on its home floor. The Wizards have lost five in a row and six of
their last seven as the visitor in this series.
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