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Cavs fall in Memphis, tie record with 23rd straight loss

Feb 5, 2011 - 7:45 AM Memphis, TN (Sports Network) - Zach Randolph scored 29 points and grabbed 13 rebounds as Memphis topped Cleveland, 112-105, sending the Cavaliers to their 23rd consecutive loss, tying an NBA single-season record.

Rudy Gay added 26 points and 11 rebounds, while Mike Conley supplied 21 points and eight assists for Memphis, which has won a season-best five straight. Sam Young chipped in 19 points for Memphis.

J.J. Hickson led the Cavaliers with a game-high 31 points and 15 rebounds. Ramon Sessions contributed 20 points and 11 assists while Antawn Jamison scored 19 in the loss.

It was only fitting that the night the Cavaliers tied the NBA single-season record for consecutive losses they fell to the Grizzlies. Cleveland now shares the distinction with the 1995-96 Vancouver Grizzlies and 1997-98 Denver Nuggets for extended futility.

The Cavs, who haven't won since December 18 against the Knicks, can have the record to themselves if they lose Saturday night at home against Portland.

"We just got to keep plugging away and just find a way to get a win," Jamison said.

Cleveland led for most of the third quarter, taking a 84-83 advantage into the final stanza following a Jamison layup with a second remaining. However, Memphis began the fourth on a 13-0 run, capped by a Greivis Vasquez driving layup at 8:36, giving the Grizzlies a 96-84 edge.

Gay sank a long three-pointer at 3:36 to put the Grizzlies advantage at 109-94, but the Cavaliers responded, ending the game on an 11-3 run, but the spurt was too late and Memphis held on down the stretch.

The Cavaliers came out strong in the first quarter, leading 32-26 after the opening 12 minutes. Hickson added 14 points and eight boards in the second quarter as Cleveland took a 59-52 lead into the half.

Cleveland widened their lead to 11, 67-56, on a Christian Eyenga three- pointer at 9:39 of the third, but a Randolph layup at the far end started a quick 8-0 run, capped by a Young dunk at 7:39 to make it a one-possession game.

"We knew it was going to be tough from the get-go," Vasquez said.

Game Notes

Cavs guard Daniel Gibson missed the game due to personal reasons...Anthony Parker and Eyenga added 18 and 10 points, respectively, for Cleveland...The Cavaliers committed 18 turnovers that Memphis turned into 28 points...Both teams finished with 20 fast break points...Memphis was 27-of-30 from the line, 23-of-26 from Cleveland.