LeBron-less Cavs Fall to Heat in Miami 99-84

The Cavaliers played the second night of a back to back Saturday night in Miami and lost their third straight game 99-84. The Cavs rested LeBron James for the first time this season.

James played 45 minutes in Friday night’s overtime loss in New Orleans, so Head Coach David Blatt opted to give the superstar a night off. The Cavs went 3-10 during the 2014-2015 season in games without LeBron.

Miami was in control all game long Saturday night, leading 34-22 after one quarter, and entered halftime ahead by 18. Cleveland would never even come within striking distance.

No one could get going offensively for Cleveland, as Kevin Love had his worst night of the season, finishing with just five points on 2 of 11 shooting.

The leading scorer for the Cavs was Richard Jefferson, who filled in for LeBron at starting small forward, and hit just 6 of 18 shots for 16 points.

Miami received great play from Gerald Green, who threw down a couple of vicious dunks and hit a three to contribute 12 points on the night.

Guards Dwayne Wade and Tyler Johnson each scored 19 on the night.

Miami center Hassan Whiteside continued his outstanding season as a rebounder and defender, hauling in nine rebounds and blocking five shots on the night.

The loss makes the Cavaliers 13-7 and they have now lost three in a row, and four of their last six games, with a record of 4-6 on the road for the 2015-2016 season.

The Heat move into a first place tie with the Indiana Pacers at 12-6 with the win, knocking the Cavs down to third place in the Eastern Conference standings.

The Cavaliers return to Cleveland Tuesday night to take on the Portland TrailBlazers.