Mavericks hold off Cavaliers for 103-95 victory
BY AP Wire Service
Sunday, November 18, 2012
11/18/12 at 6:07 AM
CLEVELAND (AP) - This time, it should be a pleasant trip back to Dallas.
O.J. Mayo scored 19 points and the Mavericks used a pair of 9-0 runs in the fourth quarter to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 103-95 on Saturday night.
Chris Kaman scored 15 points while Vince Carter and Darren Collison added 14 apiece for Dallas, which won on the road for the second time in six games.
"We quit doing certifiably insane things with the basketball," coach Rick Carlisle said. "Right now, we're trying to figure out what kind of a team we are, and the guys got it done together."
It was an altogether different atmosphere in the other locker room. The Cavaliers dropped their fifth consecutive game, and Kyrie Irving bruised his left index finger while scoring 26 points.
"It hurts a lot, but I'm going to get through it," he said.
Irving was forced out with 6:54 remaining in the third quarter. He flexed his left hand several times and walked to the bench where he was examined by trainer Max Benton during a timeout. The two then walked to the locker room.
X-rays of Irving's hand were negative, and he returned when the fourth quarter began. Irving said he took a swipe at the ball while Collison was dribbling and hit the guard's foot. Although he played well after returning, Irving admitted the injury affected his play.
"I'm not feeling comfortable with my left hand and attacking the rim," he said. "I had only one hand and I was trying to force shots over Chris Kaman."
Irving, who said he intends to play Sunday night against the 76ers, didn't have an assist for the first time in his career. The reigning Rookie of the Year said it was the first time he didn't have an assist at any level. Irving had one assist on two occasions last season.
Dion Waiters and Daniel Gibson had 16 points apiece for Cleveland.
Dallas, which is playing without star forward Dirk Nowitzki, is back over .500 at 6-5.
Original Print Headline: Mavericks hold on to beat Cavs
