Cavs Gear Up For Golden State, Beat Kings 120-108 At Home
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Kyrie Irving scored 26 points, Kyle Korver added 18 in his most productive game since joining Cleveland last week and the Cavaliers tuned up for a NBA Finals rematch by beating the Sacramento Kings 120-108 on Friday night.
LeBron James had 16 points and 15 assists, Kevin Love added 15 points and 18 rebounds and Cleveland snapped a two-game losing streak before taking on Golden State on Monday in its first game at Oracle Arena since winning the NBA title there last June.
DeMarcus Cousins had 26 points and a season-high 11 assists and Rudy Gay scored 23 points for the Kings, who fell to 1-4 on their seven-game homestand.
The Cavs sent forward Mike Dunleavy, guard Mo Williams, cash and a protected future first-round draft pick to the Hawks last for Korver, a 14-year veteran whose ability to come off screens and deep range challenge defenses.
Korver shot just 2 for 10 with no 3-pointers his first two games but came up big this game, especially after Sacramento had cut a 24-point lead to eight when Arron Afflalo scored on the opening possession of the fourth quarter.
Korver responded with a 3-pointer and answered again a few minutes later after Cleveland's lead was cut to six with his fourth 3 of the game. He shot 7 for 10 for the game, making 4 of 6 3-pointers.
The Cavs started fast behind 11 first-quarter points from Love and led by 17 points after one. The lead grew to 21 early in the second before the Kings rallied to cut it to 10.
That's when Korver stepped up for the first time, scoring seven points during an 11-0 run that put Cleveland back in control. The Cavs scored nine points in a 59-second span to quickly turn the tide in their favor.
TIP-INS
Cavaliers: G Iman Shumpert replaced DeAndre Liggins in the starting lineup and hit three 3-pointers in the first quarter. Shumpert matched his season high with 16 points. ... James got a technical in the first quarter when he argued a non-call against Gay on a blocked shot.
Kings: Cousins got called for a second foul midway through the first quarter on an illegal screen. ... Sacramento has lost four straight to Cleveland. ... The Kings committed 21 turnovers, giving them 57 over the past three games.
UP NEXT
Cavaliers: Visit Golden State on Monday, looking to sweep the series after their victory on Christmas.
Kings: Continue seven-game homestand Sunday against Oklahoma City.
