Cavs @ Raptors

When was the last time that a Cavaliers loss would be a surprise? It's getting to that point considering the chemistry and roll that this team is on right now. Cleveland (29-36) rolled into Toronto (27-38) riding a four-game winning streak and wanting more. Toronto was 2-0 against the Cavs this season heading into last night's game.

But it was another night at the office and another win for the streaking Cavs, as the streak reached to five games in the 106-92 road victory. The five-game win streak is the first since December of 2000. It was the transformed Zydrunas Ilgauskas who again got things going early for the Cavs, going 6-6 from the floor for 12 points in the first quarter. The win also pulls the Cavs into a 6th place tie with the New York Knicks.

After starting the season 0-13 on the road, the Cavs have gone 11-10 away from Gund Arena and have won nine out of their last eleven games. For most of the season the bench has failed to come through, but it was a different story last night. With James struggling from the floor (14 points on 4-13 shooting) and Boozer having a decent performance (11 points, 13 rebounds), it was a total team effort that helped propel the Cavs to a victory.

The Bench came up huge. Lee Nailon threw in 15 points off the pine in 22 minutes of action. DaJuan Wagner had one of his most productive games this year. He posted 9 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds in just 17 minutes of work. Tony Battie and Kevin Ollie each played solid defense, while Battie also had 8 points and 7 baords.

Ilgauskas got things going early in the first and the Cavs would eventually jump out to a 17 point lead, which they would never give up. They would take a lead of 60-47 into halftime. Cleveland shot 58 percent from the floor in the half in attaining their lead.

The Raptors made a push late in the third quarter and pulled to within three points 70-67, after a Rod Strickland jumper. Then Nailon made a 3-point play to ignite a Cavs 11-0 run and halt any chance of a Toronto comeback.

Jeff McInnis kept up his great play with 11 points, 7 assists, and zero turnovers. Vince Carter, known as a Cavs-killer, led the Raptors with 19 points on 6-16 shooting. Donyell Marshall added 18 points and 12 boards in the loss. Cleveland had the edge on the boards at 48-38. The Cavs shot 51 percent while Toronto shot a decent 42 percent from the field.

Cleveland has the next three days off to rest and prepare for the Indiana Pacers at home this Sunday. The Pacers, who currently have the best record in the NBA could be a first round opponent of the Cavs, depending on where they finish.

CavsTalk