Final
Streaking Grizzlies hope to hand Cavs 23rd straight setback
Feb 4, 2011 - 4:10 PM (Sports Network) - The Grizzlies know a thing or two about losing streaks and dropped an NBA-record 23 games in a row during the 1995-96 campaign, when the franchise was located in Vancouver.Memphis will try to hand Cleveland its 23rd consecutive defeat when the two clubs collide Friday night at FedEx Forum. The Cavaliers have lost a single- season franchise worst 22 straight games and their 24 consecutive road losses is another team record. Cleveland is just one loss away from tying the 1995-96 Grizzlies and the 1997-98 Denver Nuggets for the longest losing streak in a single NBA season.
Cleveland hasn't tasted victory since beating New York in overtime on Dec. 18. The Cavs' last win away from Quicken Loans Arena was on Nov. 9 versus New Jersey. They dropped 19 in a row to close out the 1981-82 season and went on to lose the first five in 1982-83 for an NBA-record 24-game skid.
The losing ways continued for the Cavs in Wednesday's 117-112 setback versus the Indiana Pacers, as Ramon Sessions led the way with a game-high 25 points and added nine assists. Antawn Jamison had 21 points and seven rebounds, while rookie Manny Harris scored 19 with eight boards for Cleveland, which will try to work on its 3-25 road record tonight.
"The balls were just bounding in their direction," Sessions said of the Cavaliers' rebounding issues. "Their guys were crashing the boards and it helped them."
Cavs guard Daniel Gibson (quadriceps) is questionable for Friday's game.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies have won four straight and seven of eight games, including Wednesday's 102-84 triumph in Minnesota behind Zach Randolph's 23 points and 13 rebounds.
Rudy Gay added 22 points, seven assists and seven boards, and Mike Conley chipped in nine points and nine assists for Memphis. Sam Young netted 18 points in a winning cause.
"We're turning the corner," Conley said. "We're a team that's on the outside looking in on the playoffs right now and we understand our position. We're playing every game here on out like it's a playoff game. Every game means a lot to us. We're coming in focused and mentally prepared each night."
The Grizzlies have won three in a row at home and are 15-7 inside the friendly confines of FedEx Forum this season.
Cleveland beat Memphis, 92-86, back on Nov. 27 this season at Quicken Loans Arena, as Mo Williams scored 25 points, dished out 12 assists and pulled down five rebounds in that one. The Cavs have won two straight and nine of the last 10 contests in this series.
- CLEVELAND: 105
MEMPHIS: 112
Final
Feb 4 10:28 PM - CLEVELAND: 84
MEMPHIS: 83
End of 3rd
Feb 4 9:54 PM - CLEVELAND: 59
MEMPHIS: 52
Halftime
Feb 4 9:12 PM - CLEVELAND: 32
MEMPHIS: 26
End of 1st
Feb 4 8:36 PM - CLEVELAND: 0
MEMPHIS: 0
1st Quarter - 12:00
Feb 4 8:12 PM
Related News
- LeBron James Has Been At His Best for Many Birthdays Dec 29
- Cavs beat Bulls 109-95 Dec 23
- Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls gamethread Dec 23
- Cavs down to 10 healthy players vs. Bulls Dec 23
- Watch the Market: Cavaliers vs. Pelicans Dec 22
- Shorthanded Cavs routed by Pelicans 123-104 Dec 21
- Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New Orleans Pelicans gamethread Dec 21
- Cleveland Cavaliers defeat Utah Jazz 124-116 Dec 20
- Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Utah Jazz gamethread Dec 20
- What to watch for in Cavaliers vs. Jazz Dec 20
- Cavs, Rubio reportedly discussing parting ways Dec 20
- Final Score: Cavaliers beat Hawks 127-119 Dec 16