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Find out the scoop on the CAVS from award-winning sports writer Bob Finnan.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Cavs vs. Suns, Game 29

CAVS (21-8) 109, PHOENIX SUNS (18-10) 91
at U.S. Airways Center
TV: Fox Sports Ohio, NBA TV
RADIO: WTAM

WHAT HAPPENED: The Cavs showed how well they can play and that they can beat anyone in the league if All-Star forward LeBron James plays at a high level.

In the Dallas loss on Sunday, James seemed to be going through the motions in the fourth quarter. He managed just two points in the fourth.

He more than made up for that in the win over the Suns on Monday. He came out charged up and focued from the start and finished with 29 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals. He made 11 of 21 from the field, 1 of 3 from behind the arc and 6 of 6 from the foul line.

The Cavs handed the Suns their first home loss of the season after 10 consecutive wins at U.S. Airways Center. They hadn't lost since last March 12 - to the Cavs - a span of 284 days.

Center Shaquille O'Neal's return was a dud, however. He had more turnovers (4) than points (3). He has a total of 8 points in the first two games of the West Coast trip.

But the Cavs got very good performances from a several other players.

DELONTE TAKING OFF?: Guard Delonte West has reached double figures in scoring in three consecutive games. In that three-game stretch, he’s averaged 14.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.0 assists and is shooting 59.3 percent from the field (16 of 27).

NOTES: The Cavs have won 4 in a row over the Suns. They also beat the Suns at The Q by 17 points, 107-90, on Dec. 2.

-- James' plus/minus number was plus-26 in Monday's game. Suns guard Steve Nash's plus/minus was minus-15.

PUPPETS ARE BACK: The new Nike puppets commercial is back. It's not bad.


STARTERS
SF LeBron James vs. Grant Hill
PF J.J. Hickson vs. Amar'e Stoudemire
C Shaquille O'Neal vs. Channing Frye
SG Anthony Parker vs. Jason Richardson
PG Mo Williams vs. Steve Nash

INJURY REPORT
Suns - G Leandro Barbosa (sprained left ankle) is out.
Cavs - F Jamario Moon (left abdominal strain) is doubtful; F Leon Powe (left knee surgery) is out.

OFFICIALS
Marc Davis, Joe Forte, Derek Richardson

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