WASHINGTON – Kyrie Irving scored nine of his 41 points in overtime to help the Cleveland Cavaliers snap a three-game skid with a 103-96 victory over the Washington Wizards on Saturday night.
Irving scored seven straight points on three possessions in overtime to give Cleveland the lead for good. He later added an 18-foot jumper to match his career high and finish 14 of 28 from the floor and 4 of 7 from beyond the arc.
Earl Clark hit three key 3-pointers in the fourth quarter for the Cavaliers, finishing with 11 points. Tristan Thompson added 15 points and 12 rebounds, and center Andrew Bynum made his second start in as many years, contributing six points and three rebounds.
John Beal scored 28 points for Washington, Nene added 24 points and seven rebounds.
Coming into the game, Irving was shooting just 38 percent from the floor and 32 percent from 3-point range.
In an duel of the No. 1 overall draft picks in back-to-back NBA drafts, Irving got the best of Washington's John Wall, who scored nine points and dealt 12 assists.
After Washington took a 45-30 lead in the second quarter, Irving led Cleveland back. He hit three 3-pointers in the final 89 seconds of the first half to draw the Cavaliers close, 49-44.
It was the first road win this year for Cleveland, which called a players-only meeting after a 29-point loss Wednesday at Minnesota.
NOTES: Cleveland guard Dion Waiters did not accompany the Cavaliers on the trip to Washington. When asked if his absence was due to a reported scuffle during a players-only meeting on Thursday, Brown said, "He's been to the doctor twice."
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