ORLANDO, Florida (AFP) — The weary Cleveland Cavaliers rebounded from an embarrassing loss to Denver with a 118-111 National Basketball Association victory over the Orlando Magic on Monday.
Larry Hughes scored 33 of his 40 points in the second half and superstar LeBron James chipped in 29 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists to lift the Cavaliers, who were again missing injured Daniel Gibson, Damon Jones, Anderson Varejao and Sasha Pavlovic.
The Cavaliers didn't even make it to Orlando until Monday afternoon, thanks to a delayed flight following Sunday's dismal 113-83 loss to the Denver Nuggets.
James had to do without his usual afternoon nap for the first time in his NBA career.
However, showed no ill-effects. After sitting out the fourth quarter of Sunday's blowout defeat, he started strong with 13 first-half points.
The Cavaliers trailed 55-52 at halftime, but Hughes came alive in the third quarter. He sank a three-pointer 24 seconds after the interval to knot the score at 55-55 and scored 18 points in the final five minutes of the period o make it 86-86 heading into the final quarter.
Hughes and James combined for 16 points over the final five minutes to secure the victory.
Hedo Turkoglu scored 25 points to lead the Magic, who shot just 40 percent (19-of-47) in the second half en route to their third loss in their last four home games.
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