Cleveland Cavaliers Team Report - January 25

(Basketball News) - Cleveland dropped a 106-97 decision to the Washington Wizards at Gund Arena on Monday night.

LeBron James scored 31 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and dished out eight assists for the Cavaliers, who returned from a 3-3 road trip and looked jet lagged. The club jumped out to a quick start, but faltered down the stretch.

Drew Gooden ended with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Eric Snow had 10 points and 10 assists. Cleveland’s Anderson Varejao left the game in the fourth quarter with a left ankle sprain. He finished with four points and 10 rebounds and is listed as day-to-day.

The team went to the free throw line only 23 times, hitting 15, while the Wizards hit on 39-of-49 attempts from the stripe.

The Cavs’ Jeff McInnis missed his second straight game with a left foot sprain. McInnis is listed as day-to-day.

Cleveland blew a 17-point advantage in the losing effort. The 17-point lead was the largest blown by the Cavs this season.

The Cavaliers have three games left this week, including a home tilt versus Memphis on Wednesday evening. Cleveland also will go to New York (Friday) and host Milwaukee (Sunday).

Cleveland currently sits atop the Central Division, 1 1/2 games ahead of second place Detroit.