James makes history, Hill scores season-high 26 points in 129-123 victory over Nets; Three takeaways

Passive offense yields early deficit

The Cavs entered play with a 23.1 percent (16-of-69) clip from beyond the perimeter since the All-Star break, as sharpshooters like JR Smith and Hill had yet to find their form. With two losses in the three-game span, the search for a second scorer seemed to involve a passive approach and poor shot selection.

More of the same took place in the first period on Tuesday.

For the second time in their past three quarters, the Cavaliers did not attempt a free throw while shooting 1-of-6 from distance. The defending Eastern Conference champions only had four of such quarters in the first 58 contests of the campaign, according to ESPN Stats and Info.

Whether it was Smith’s ineffectiveness on three-point shots (0-of-3) or the team’s unwillingness to draw contact around the cylinder, the offense still looked to be working out its kinks against the 22^nd-ranked defense in the NBA.

At the half, Cleveland trailed by one with only 16 points in the paint, and a 28.6 percent (2-of-7) mark from the charity stripe.

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