CLEVELAND (AP) — Rookie Collin Sexton matched a career high with 29 points, Tristan Thompson had 23 points and 19 rebounds and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Washington Wizards 116-101 on Saturday night.
Cleveland dominated, going ahead for good late in the first quarter and building a 29-point lead in the second half.
Wizards guard John Wall was held to a career low one point in 26 minutes — a free throw early in the third quarter with Cleveland holding a 74-48 lead. Wall returned after missing Washington's victory Wednesday night over Atlanta because of personal reasons.
The five-time All-Star, who didn't participate in the shootaround Saturday because he was under the weather, missed all five shots and had six assists. Wall was taken out late in the third quarter and didn't return.
Bradley Beal scored 27 points, but the Wizards turned in a flat performance after winning three straight.
Sexton was 13 of 23 from the field and had six assists, including an alley-oop pass to Larry Nance J. for a one-handed dunk that brought the crowd to its feet late in the game.
Cleveland (6-20) had only 10 available players because of injuries and Friday's three-team trade with the Wizards and Milwaukee Bucks, but didn't play like a short-handed team. The Cavaliers hit 15 of 31 3-pointers.
Rodney Hood missed the game because of a sprained right toe that caused him to sit out the second half Friday against Sacramento. Matthew Dellavedova acquired in Friday's trade, watched from the bench in street clothes.
The first quarter had seven lead changes before Cleveland ended the period with an 18-3 run. Jalen Jones, signed to a two-way contract last week, hit a 3-pointer on consecutive possessions and Jordan Clarkson made two 3-pointers, helping Cleveland to a 38-25 lead.
TIP-INS
Wizards: Former Cavs F Jeff Green scored 17 points and F Otto Porter Jr. added 15. ... F Sam Dekker was sent from Cleveland to Washington in the deal. He hasn't played since Nov. 7 because of a sprained left ankle, but is close to returning.
Cavaliers: G Alec Burks scored 14 points while Jones finished with 12, all coming on 3-pointers. ... F Jaron Blossomgame, signed to a two-way contract last week, made his first career start. He scored six points in 20 minutes in his third NBA game.
UP NEXT
Wizards: At Indiana on Monday night.
Cavaliers: At Milwaukee on Monday night.
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