The Cleveland Cavaliers re-asserted themselves as the defending NBA champs on Christmas Day with a 109-108 win over the Golden State Warriors, the first of two matchups between the two title favorites this season. However, that is far from the only notable thing that happened to the Cavs over the past week, as they are riding a five-game winning streak. Let's get you up to speed with the week that was and the week ahead with our Cavs Weekly update:
Last Week:
Cleveland started the week with a back-to-back, home-and-home series against the Milwaukee Bucks, and they managed to win both of them. It started with a tough 114-108 overtime victory on Tuesday thanks to some clutch plays by LeBron James, who finished with 34 points, 12 rebounds and a season-high five made three-pointers. Milwaukee gave the Cavs a hard time again on Wednesday in Cleveland, but 31 points and a career-high 13 assists from Kyrie Irving carried the Cavaliers to a 113-102 win.
Cleveland stayed home to face the Brooklyn Nets on Friday, and 11 different players scored in an easy 119-99 blowout victory.
Then came the big matchup against Golden State on Christmas Day. Cleveland trailed by 14 points early in the fourth quarter, but pulled off a furious rally down the stretch - capped off by Irving's game-winning fadeaway with 3.4 seconds left.
The Warriors had a chance to win on the ensuing possession, but Kevin Durant fell down after receiving the inbounds pass, allowing the clock to run out. James scored 31 points with a season-high 13 rebounds, while Irving added 25 points and Kevin Love had 20.
What's Next?
Coming off that win over the Warriors, Cleveland hits the road to take on the Detroit Pistons on Monday night. After that, the Cavs return home to face the Boston Celtics before playing the Hornets in Charlotte on New Year's Eve. Read more Cavs news in the Chat Sports iPhone and Android apps.
Injuries:
Guard J.R. Smith is expected to miss 12-14 weeks after having surgery to repair his broken right thumb. LeBron James will sit out of Monday's game against the Pistons to rest.
What They're Saying:
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