CLEVELAND- The Cavaliers hosted the struggling (2-22) New Jersey Nets last night at Quicken Loans Arena. Many fans and media where in hope to see a true blow out given the big differences in the line ups, especially in the center position with Shaquille O’Neal and Zydrunas Ilgausgas versus young Brook Lopez.

In the first quarter it looked as if that was going to be the case as Shaquille O’Neal had 9 points, 2 assist, 1 blocked shot and 1 rebound in the first quarter as the Cavaliers jumped out to  a 30-22 lead.

The Story was not the same however in the second quarter. It seemed as if the Cavaliers were getting beat off the boards and Nets Brook Lopez put up 11 points and 3 boards to help the Nets outscore the Cavaliers 23-22 in the second quarter cutting the Cavaliers lead to only 7 points. Lopez had 20 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 blocked shot after the first half.

The second half was a different story for Nets Lopez as he was held to only 2 points, 6 rebounds and 1 assist. Also in the fourth quarter it was the first time Cavalier fans had a chance to see Shaquille O’Neal’s Witness Protection come into play. Jamario Moon had a break away and was going up to slam the ball when Nets Devin Harris went up to block the shot got Moon’s head instead throwing him violently to the floor. LeBron James then grabbed Harris and Nets Trenton Hassell grabbed James the Witness Protection O’Neal stepped in and grabbed both Harris and Hassell and controlled the situation. The Cavaliers went on to win 99-89.

LeBron James led the way with 23 points, 7 assist, 6 rebounds, 2 blocked shots and 2 steals. Shaquille O’Neal had 16 points, 5 rebounds, 3 blocked shots and 1 steal. Zydrunas Ilgauskas had 16 points, 5 rebounds, 3 blocked shots, 1 steal and 1 assist. And Mo Williams had 13 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assist.