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

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Cavs vs. Nuggets, Game 55

DENVER NUGGETS (36-18) 118, CAVS (43-12) 116, OT
at Quicken Loans Arena
Thursday
TV: TNT
RADIO: WTAM

WHAT HAPPENED: The Cavs' 13-game winning streak came to an end. It was their first loss in February. They hadn't lost since a one-point decision at Utah on Jan. 14.

They also were swept by the Nuggets this season.

Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony was fabulous in the second half. He started the game 2 of 11 from the field. He finished 13 of 28.

He hit the game-winning 20-foot jumper over LeBron James with 1.9 seconds remaining. He ended with 40 points, six rebounds and seven assists.

The Cavs are now 1-2 in overtime this season.

James wasn't too bad, either, as he finished with his third triple-double of the season and 27th of his career. He had gaudy numbers with 43 points, 13 rebounds and 15 assists. The assists tied his career high.

The Cavs had an All-Star-in-waiting in forward Antawn Jamison. The Cavs hope he'll be able to play tonight in Charlotte, just miles from where he starred at the University of North Carolina (OK several miles, but it's a good story line).

"That's the plan," Jamison said after the game about playing against the Bobcats.

NOTES - Injured guard Sebastian Telfair has taken over Zydrunas Ilgauskas' locker. It's strange seeing him in there.

-- The Cavs missed 17 free throws on the night. Perhaps they don't deserve to win if they make 23 of 40 free throws in a game.

-- Guard Mo Williams returned to the lineup. He played just 18 minutes and scored eight points and had three assists. The team doctors told Coach Mike Brown that Williams shouldn't play more than 20 minutes on the night. He missed the previous 11 games with a sprained left shoulder.

-- Forward Jawad Williams played 16 minutes, mostly to guard Anthony. However, Jamario Moon, maybe a little better overall defender, never got off the bench.

STARTING LINEUPS
SF LeBron James vs. Carmelo Anthony
PF J.J. Hickson vs. Kenyon Martin
C Shaquille O'Neal vs. Nene
SG Anthony Parker vs. Arron Afflalo
PG Chauncey Billups vs. Daniel Gibson
INACTIVES
Cavs - Leon Powe, Antawn Jamison, Sebastian Telfair
Nuggets - Renaldo Balkman
OFFICIALS
Monty McCutchen, James Capers, Mark Lindsay

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