The fans got what they came out for, as Cleveland won a seesaw 115-112 victory over New Orleans. "What a great game to have been a part of," said Cleveland star Smith. "The momentum kept changing and neither team really had a chance to run away with the game. It just came down to having more in the tank at the end, and that was us."

New Orleans coach Bob was less enthusiastic about the game. "We had our chances to win the game, but didn't convert them. I'm most bothered that it seemed like we faded down the stretch; I think we may need to spend a little more time working on conditioning in the future. Regardless, it was a great game. Smith and [New Orleans star] Fletcher really put on a show for the fans."

Cleveland was led by Smith (32 points, 8 assists, a steal), Hobbs (7 points, 20 boards, 3 assists, a steal, 2 blocks), Bravo (20 points, 5 boards, 1 assists, a steal, a block). New Orleans was led by Fletcher (28 points, 12 boards, 3 assists), Gray (32 points, 5 boards, 0 assists), Taylor (5 points, 2 steals, 2 blocks).

Cleveland have been victorious in the past 7 games and jump to 25-19 and 16-8 at home. They stay at #5 in the Central and improve to #8 overall in the Eastern Conference. New Orleans stand at 23-21. They stay at #3 in the Southwest and hold at #6 overall in the Western Conference.

box score Cleveland roster New Orleans roster