RESPECT.
That was the theme of last night’s match-up between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks at Quicken Loans Arena.
Wearing a purple “Respect” T-Shirt — the official color of the campaign dedicated to bringing awareness to domestic violence, Project Love, and teen dating violence — Pinque (Cavs “Scream Team” Dance Member) sang the National Anthem.
Additionally, before the game, Cavs Mascot Moondog was honored with a “birthday cake,” for appearing in his 300th game. And fans were given “Please Don’t Leave 23” masks (courtesy of pleasedontleave.com), to hold up at the start of each quarter to show their love and support for the Eastern Conference Player of the Month, reigning league MVP, and The Greater Cleveland Sports Commission Pro Athlete Of The Year: LeBron James.
However, when the Cavaliers took to the court, they showed little respect for the Knicks.
At half-time, the Cavs held a 20 point lead and Lebron already had 35 points (setting a franchise record for first half points) under his illustrious belt. And the Cavs continued their 11 game winning streak, beating the Knicks 113-106.
Although starting Guard Mo Williams (shoulder injury) and Guard Delonte West (fractured finger) have not been able to play, the Cavs bench have stepped up big time and kept the winning streak alive. Last night, Father-to-be Daniel Gibson went 2-3 in 3 pointers made, Varejao had seven rebounds and added 6 points, and Jawad Williams had 5 assists and scored 5 points.
Overall, Lebron led his team–scoring 47 points, getting 8 rebounds, 8 assists, and 5 steals. Hickson (who started at Forward) got 5 rebounds, and scored 10 points. Shaq also had a terrific game-scoring 19 points.
