It took overtime, but the Cleveland Cavaliers finally broke-through, avoiding professional sports infamy in the process by beating the Los Angeles Clippers, 126-119. The Cavs, losers of their last 26-straight, still hold the NBA record for consecutive games lost, but avoided taking sole possession of the professional sports record streak by winning for the first time in 27 tries.
Eric Bledsoe hit two free throws with 20 seconds to go in regulation to put the Clippers up two, but Mo Williams answered on the other end with a jumper to tie it up. Baron Davis had a shot to win it at the buzzer, but J.J. Hickson rejected his runner to send the game to overtime.
The Cavs jumped out to a quick lead in overtime and held a 120-114 advantage with just over a minute to go. The Clippers came firing right back, however, as Randy Foye scored five quick points on back-to-back possessions -- on a lay-in and fast-break three.
Antwan Jamison made the clutch shot with five seconds left on the shot clock and 24 seconds left in the game, burying a three off the inbounds pass to put the Cavs up four. Randy Foye saw a desperation three with 14 seconds go rattle around and pop out, ending the Clippers' chances. A Baron Davis technical on the loose ball and three made free throws -- one by Mo Williams and two by Daniel Gibson -- allowed Cleveland to seal it at the line to snap the streak.
Blake Griffin led the way for the Clippers, picking up another double-double with 32 points and 13 rebounds. Baron Davis added 26 points, with Randy Foye (23), Eric Bledsoe (13) and Ryan Gomes (10) also in double-figures. Davis also had a team-high seven assists before being ejecting in the waning moments after picking up his second technical.
Antwan Jamison had a team-high 35 points for the Clippers. J.J. Hickson had a double-double, finishing with 27 points and 14 rebounds. Mo Williams added points off the17 bench, including that crucial jumper near the end of regulation. Daniel Gibson, 18 points, and Ramon Sessions, 12 points, were also in double-figures.
The Cavs improved to 9-45 on the year, winning for the first time since Dec. 18. The Clippers fell to 20-33 and hold the dubious distinction of being the team that finally lost to the Cavs.