In an horrendous season of losses, Cleveland got the win it wanted most.
The Cavaliers took down LeBron James.
Despite blowing a 23 point lead, the Cavs rallied and beat Miami Heat 102-90 on Tuesday night, who received a dose of revenge against James, who made his second return visit to Cleveland since he left the last summer.
JJ Hickson scored 21 and Anthony Parker scored 20 for the Cavs, who were ashamed of James and the Heat 118-90 on Dec. 2 - the night when the Cleveland fans unleashed their anger is a superstar.
This time, James left the ground, hanging his head. He finished with 27 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds.
In the last seconds, a crowd of 20,562 cut loose to win even the most loyal fans could not imagine Cleveland. Cavs owner Dan Gilbert, who has accused James quit in the playoffs last year after the two-time MVP said he was going to join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in an ill-conceived TV special, everybody hit the high hand in hand.
On the floor behind, headed Parker, the last 3-pointers with 2:47 left capped a 12-0 run and put the heat away, Cavs fans.
"You deserve it," he said.
Cavaliers were a different team - literally - in a series against the Heat here in December. Injuries and trades have reduced list of Cleveland to a shell of a James has played with and helped win 60 games last season.
Heat almost rallied from 23 down and tied 83-all on Mike Bibby March 7 points with 7:03 left. But Miami, which wasted a chance to move into second place in the ranking of the East, has no goal for 4:24, gave the Cavs to get their 15th victory after winning the most lopsided of this season.
Wade added 24 and the Heat, who had their winning streak stopped at five.
Cleveland shot 56 percent in the countryside, a number that Heat coach Erik Spoelstra probably will use it to motivate his team to play better defense, as he prepares for the playoffs.
Baron Davis got his first start since joining Cleveland in a trade, and the veteran scored 10 points and leadership. Cavs also got a boost from center Ryan Hollins, who had 13 points, three blocks and played physical - something no player has done in Cleveland in December.
There was not the same poison and hatred that has swept the first visit of James four months ago. The audience was energetic, but not so angry action against James, who was booed every time he touched the ball. Security was extremely high, but there were no incidents reported.
The teams took turns to go on long runs in a wild district, comings and goings of others.
Cleveland scored 18 straight points and opened a lead of 71-48, sending their fans into a frenzy and put the fire in a deep hole. But Miami was far from over by Wade hit a couple 3-pointers and scored 10 points in a 19-1 syringe that fired the Heat within 72-67 on jumper James.
Christian Eyenga of 3-points with two seconds left put the Cavs front 75-67. James threw a 3-pointer a few steps after the half-field at the end of the quarter, a shot that was initially ruled no good, but changed after officials reviewed replays of television between periods and determined that there was a clock error.
James arrived at the arena, home of professional basketball in seven seasons at 05:12 wearing a helmet and a shirt with the inscription: "Long Live The King" James has security guards and greeted a few before diving into the locker room for second time visitors.
James was not sure what he would face, but he was confident things would not be nearly as hostile as his previous visit.
"I expect the worst," he said. "No. But the worst of the last time, Dec. 2?"
James dodged the first blast of whistles, remaining players in the locker room during presentations. He entered the scene around the dark, when the Cavs came.
After the return of Santiago in December, the Cavs were criticized by their fans for the way he acted around his former teammate. Fans thought they were too many jokes, and thought someone needed to step up to Santiago and to provide a drive failure.
Hollins has taken it upon himself to get physical with Wade and hit him with a forearm. Moments later, the two had words and were both assessed technicals.
James Hickson knocked on his rear in the way later in the first quarter, but James was shot as he fell to the floor and closed the game with three points. It ended the quarter with 13 points but failed to score in the second when the Cavs built a lead of 16 points.
Miami cut in half with a 8-0 run, but Davis knocked down 3-pointer to give the horn Cavs 53-42 halftime lead.
NANA UPSTAIRS & NANA DOWNSTAIRS
by Tomie dePaola, is based on the nostalgic memories of his own childhood in time spent with his two "Nanas". Four-year-old Tommy loves his Sunday visits to his grandmother's and great-grandmother's house. His grandmother seems to constantly be downstairs, busy by the kitchen stove, while his great-grandmother is always to be found in bed upstairs (because she is 94 years old). One morning Tommy's mother tells him that Nana Upstairs died during the night. Tommy feels sorrowful and empty, but his mother comforts him by explaining, "she will come back in your memory whenever you think about her." A very graceful treatment of a difficult subject. Anyone who grew up with a precious grandparent in their life will adore this book. (for ages 4-8)
, writes in Chapter 4, The Lenten Journey: "We are in Mid-Lent. On the one hand, the physical and spiritual effort, if it is serious and consistent, begins to be felt...we need help and encouragement. On the other hand, having endured this fatigue, having climbed the mountain up to this point, we begin to see the end of our pilgrimage, and the rays of Easter grow in their intensity."
, written by Amy Hest and illustrated by Anita Jeram. I think your child will love meeting Little Chick and Old Auntie, the big red hen. From School Library Journal:
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