Cavaliers coach John Lucas expects forward Lamond Murray, who has missed
the past three games with a strained lower back, to return to the starting lineup Wednesday against Golden State. ``I would be really surprised if he doesn't play,'' said Lucas, who plans to return Ricky Davis to the bench. The Cavs yesterday lifted weights and did some light shooting. Murray stayed afterward to play some two-on-two games. His back hardly looked to bother him when he threw down a few dunks. Murray will have a full practice for the first time today since suffering the injury Dec. 22. ``I'll have to see how I do with contact, if I get hit in the back,'' he said. Murray said the back is still ``a little stiff,'' but he expects to play against the Warriors. Murray, from the San Francisco Bay area, has averaged 27 points in his past three games against Golden State.
BENCH BLUES -- Lucas is not pleased with the recent play of his bench. In Friday's 98-88 win over New York, the reserves were outscored 24-13. In Saturday's 103-83 loss at Chicago, the bench was outscored 49-23. In the first half, when the game was still in doubt, reserves were outscored 21-6. ``I'm very concerned,'' Lucas said. ``I need to get a steady rotation and a steady diet of knowing I'm going to get something every night.'' Murray's injury led to the bench being weakened in recent games, but Lucas doesn't want that to be used as an excuse. ``We have to come out with more energy,'' reserve point guard Bimbo Coles said.

SECOND-CITY STRUGGLES -- With Bill Cartwright coaching his first game, Lucas said it was a difficult time for the Cavs to face the Bulls. ``We walked into a lion's den,'' Lucas said. ``It was kind of a set-up. I'm sure they named (Cartwright) the day before a home game they thought they could win so they could get a bang out of it. Everybody cheered him when he walked into the arena.'' The win broke an eight-game losing streak for the Bulls, who still have the NBA's worst record at 5-23.

DIOP'S DOINGS -- Lucas said one of the few bright spots Saturday was the play of 7-foot rookie center DeSagana Diop. Playing 15 minutes, the same amount he played in his first four career games combined, Diop shot 2-of-4 for four points and had five rebounds. ``I like his length,'' Lucas said. ``He gave us a physical presence.'' With Eddy Curry and Tyson Chandler playing for Chicago, it marked the first time that three rookies drafted straight from high school had appeared in the same NBA game.

When center Zydrunas Ilgauskas has played, the Cavaliers usually have won. When he has been injured, they usually have lost. Numbers have backed that up since Ilgauskas was drafted in 1996.

Then again, the stock market used to be a sure thing, and no longer is. Such is the case with Ilgauskas. He's back, but the Cavs (12-18) aren't winning.

Since the 7-foot-3 Ilgauskas returned Dec. 4 after missing the first 17 games to recover from off-season foot surgery, the Cavs are 6-7. Three of the wins have come over Chicago, Miami and Houston, which have the NBA's three worst records.

The Cavs' record with Ilgauskas still is better than the 6-11 that they were before he came back. But the Cavs had won four of the six games that they played before his return, which had created even more optimism.

``Yeah, I did,'' said guard and team captain Bimbo Coles, when asked if he thought the Cavs would have a better record so far with Ilgauskas. ``It's a learning process for us to play with Z. Everybody still has to understand how to play with Z.''

Playing with Ilgauskas traditionally has not been a problem. Before his latest return, the Cavs were 64-47 when he played and 115-169 when he was out with one of his many foot problems.

Cavs coach John Lucas, who vowed when Ilgauskas returned that he wouldn't be a ``savior,'' points out that many of those wins came when Ilgauskas had an in-shape Shawn Kemp playing alongside him. That's true. But Kemp wasn't around last season, and the Cavs still went 15-9 with Ilgauskas.

``That team had better veterans,'' Lucas said. ``That team had (Clarence Weatherspoon), (Chris) Gatling and Matt Harpring.''

That team also didn't have Ilgauskas playing limited minutes. Ilgauskas, before suffering a season-ending broken left foot, averaged 11.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.54 blocks and 25.7 minutes in 24 games. Ilgauskas this season is only allowed to play 24 minutes a game or 40 minutes in two games when the Cavs play on back-to-back nights.

Although Ilgauskas is averaging 18.4 minutes, he's actually putting up more points (12.2) and more blocked shots (1.69) per game than last season. His rebounding, though, is down to 4.5.

``I'm not going to win games by myself,'' Ilgauskas said. ``But I'm not myself. Not yet anyway. And I'm still getting used to playing limited minutes.''

So are his teammates. Lucas concedes that it hasn't helped that he has been inconsistent with how he has used Ilgauskas. First, he brought him off the bench for stints in the first and second half. Then he didn't play Dec. 22 in the first half against Indiana but came off the bench in the second half. Ilgauskas started last Wednesday against New Jersey, but he was out of minutes midway through the fourth quarter.

In the past two games, Lucas has brought Ilgauskas off the bench. That's how it figures to remain for a while.

``Until I get more minutes, I want to make sure that I don't lose him at the end of games,'' Lucas said.

Ilgauskas will be evaluated after he has played a month. Lucas is hopeful that top Cavs officials, who are taking no chances with Ilgauskas' health, will grant him a few extra minutes. But Lucas concedes that it's unlikely.

``Who's he going to ask, Santa?,'' said Ilgauskas, who said he feels good enough to play a bit more, but that it's ``out of my hands.''

With that in mind, Coles said the Cavs must take better advantage of the times that they have Ilgauskas. The Cavs have outscored foes 464-452 with Ilgauskas on the court and have been outscored 789-765 when he's on the bench.

``Right now, when he comes into the game, we're trying to force the issue a little bit,'' Coles said. ``Sometimes we pass up shots when we're open just to get the ball inside to Z. We've got to understand when to throw it in to him and when to take shots. Right now, it's still a learning process. We've got to play through it and keep plugging away.''

Lucas, who hopes to get 12-year veteran Tyrone Hill back next month from a back injury, said it also hasn't helped matters that he has been unable to ``put another veteran'' big man on the court at the same time as Ilgauskas. But leave it Ilgauskas to put matters in perspective.

``I'm sure (Lucas would) rather have me for 24 minutes a game than zero,'' Ilgauskas said.

No doubt there were hecklers on hand to razz James Naismith about the way he nailed up the first peach basket. It seems hecklers have always played a part in the game of basketball.

But the average heckler is that guy in the stands who uses opposing players and coaches as the punch lines to his jokes.

The average heckler does not have a seat on the bench and insider information to fuel his fiery lines. That's Cavaliers coach John Lucas, heckler extraordinaire.

"Since the first time I was on the court, I could hear Lucas over the crowd," said Houston guard Moochie Norris. "Lucas is like Gary Payton. His mouth is off the chain. I wasn't so surprised that he was talking junk because he's a funny guy, but I was surprised that he talked like that during games."

Talking is only part of Lucas' shtick.

When an opposing player goes to the free-throw line, watch for the "Lucas stomp" just before the player attempts his shot. Also, listen for Lucas to yell before a free throw is attempted. If an opponent has the ball near the Cavs' bench, this is a perfect time for Lucas to engage the player in a conversation or a time for Lucas to tap his feet on the court faster than a rock 'n' roll drummer.

Ask Lucas about his tactics and he'll give you that "Who, me?" look.

"Sometimes people give me more credit than I deserve for being a good heckler," said a smiling Lucas. "But I'm trying to win games. I'm trying to get a rise out of someone. I'll do anything to help a guy miss a free throw."

Forward Jumaine Jones wasn't sure what was going on during the Cavs' first preseason game. It was Jones' first time with the Cavs after a trade with Philadelphia during the summer. Lucas' antics caught him off guard.

"I thought it was so funny the way he talked to the guys on the other team," Jones said. "But he has a great relationship with so many players, so that allows him to talk noise and get away with it. He's the only one that can do it and get away with it."

Wes Person was also amazed the first time he experienced Lucas joking with opposing players. Now, it's something Person expects.

"Joking around is just 'Luc,' " Person said. "He's a fun guy to be around. He carries his same personality out on the court. His joking is all in fun. It gets him going when he can mess with someone. It makes you laugh and loosens you up a bit."

Norris said some of the players developed relationships with Lucas during the summer while working out in Houston.

"Lucas jokes around with us in the summer but I never thought he'd do it in games," Norris said. "He never says anything vulgar. It's things that make you laugh. He'll talk about my long socks, my Afro or he'll yell out to his team how to defend me. He's so much fun to be around.

"Lucas is one of those guys where it's hard for him to have any enemies."

Chicago

- Maybe John Lucas was right.

Lucas, coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, wasn't in a hurry to declare the Cavs as a team ready to make that next step up. Sure, the Cavs de feated the New York Knicks at home on Friday night, and many in attendance were in a celebratory mood - except Lucas. He knew better. And last night might have proven his point.

Twenty-four hours after snapping a two-game losing streak, the Cavs suffered a 103-80 loss to the Chicago Bulls last night at the United Center. This was the Cavs' worst loss since a 20-point defeat at Dallas on Dec. 13.

"This was Memphis all over again," said Lucas, refering to Memphis winning its first home game on Nov. 17 against the Cavs. "Here's a game that was going to be tough because it was like a playoff game for a team trying to win for their new coach. We didn't match their intensity, and we didn't shoot the ball well."

The Bulls (5-23) are arguably the worst team in the league. Depending on the day, it's either the Bulls or Miami.

Last night was also the coaching debut of Bill Cartwright, who took over for Bill Berry after two games. Berry took over for Tim Floyd, who resigned last week.

"I knew we were walking into a lion's den because of their new coach, and we're coming off an emotional home win," Lucas said. "It was a bad night for us. Just a bad, awful night for us."

Chris Mihm, who fouled out, led the Cavs with 13 points. Andre Miller had 10. Ron Mercer led the Bulls with 15. Ron Artest had 14 and Trenton Hassell had 12.

The first quarter was so tight that neither team could get more than a three-point lead. The Cavs (11-18) led by two with three minutes left in the period, but a quick Bulls' spurt gave them a 19-16 lead. Jones led the Cavs during the first quarter with seven points. His trey near the end of the quarter tied the score at 19. Hassell snapped the tie with a jumper for a 21-19 lead going into the second quarter.

The Bulls continued its spurt during the second quarter. Marcus Fizer's two free throws gave the Bulls a 28-19 lead. Zydrunas Ilgauskas, who came in early during the quarter, stopped the Bulls' spurt behind two free throws. It only delayed two quick Bulls' buckets for a 32-21 lead with 7:53 left before the half.

The Cavs were due for a move, and it came in the form of Mihm. Mihm scored six of the Cavs points during a 12-4 run for a 38-33 deficit.

But Fizer and Mercer shredded the Cavs' defense by scoring inside and out. Fizer started the scoring campaign with a layup, and Mercer ended the 9-2 surge with a jumper for a 12-point lead.

Lucas was caught in the heat of the moment when he received a technical with less than a minute left. Lucas was enraged when Ricky Davis was called for a foul when he blocked Fizer's dunk. The Bulls closed out the half with a 53-40 lead.

The Bulls outshot the Cavs 42.9 percent to 38.9 percent from the field in the first half and outrebounded the Cavs, 27-19. Fizer and Mercer led the Bulls with 11 points each. Mihm scored 12 first-half points for the Cavs.

The Bulls ran away during the third quarter. The Cavs were in such a funk that when Mihm fouled out with 2:37 seconds left in the quarter, the Bulls held a comfortable 76-53 lead.

The Cavs are 1-3 since starter Lamond Murray injured his back against Indiana on Dec. 22. Murray said he's day-to-day.

With or without Murray, the Cavs have to find a way to regroup before its next game on Jan. 2 against Golden State.

"There's no time to hold our heads down," Bryant Stith said. "We have to move on and get the new year started on the right foot. It's going to take a lot of focus on our part."

Dallas coach Don Nelson might not approve if an opponent sticks his head in during a pregame or halftime strategy session. Other than then, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is quite willing to let visitors see his team's sparkling new locker room.

It's no wonder the NBA's billionaire boy is so proud. At the first-year American Airlines Center, Cuban has created the Versailles of locker rooms, although with a few less mirrors.

``Heck yeah,'' said Cuban, when asked if he wants opponents to see the facilities. ``I want them to come in and work out.''

Cuban wants to get the word out to prospective free agents that they should consider signing with the Mavericks. One look at the facilities, and it wouldn't be surprising if there is a line outside next summer of players holding ballpoint pens.

The American Airlines Center is the NBA's newest arena. The 19,200-seat facility has all the usual luxury suites one would expect. With five concourses, it is a massive facility, so it's not surprising it cost a staggering $430 million to build.

Construction already was under way when Cuban bought the Mavericks in January 2000, so he doesn't take credit for much of the arena. But he does take credit for the grandiose locker rooms.

``You've got to take care of your athletes and protect your investment,'' Cuban said. ``It always amazes me that a team will have a $50 million payroll for players and then try to nickel and dime them.''

So where should we start our tour of this NBA Taj Mahal? How about in the main section of the locker room, where players dress? Each wood-grain locker comes equipped with a flat-screen, 13-inch television, a stereo, a DVD player, a CD player and a PlayStation.

``We want players to be able to prepare individually for games,'' Cuban said. ``No more somebody yelling, `Turn that (music) off.' ''

There are plenty of other ways players can prepare. There is a sauna and a steam room. There is a weight room with every type of machine known to man, and some that nobody really knows much about. There is an elaborate practice court.

There is a lavish training room with tables that look like fine china should be sitting on them. There are hot and cold whirlpools. There is a special underwater tank in which injured players can work out while putting less stress on their bodies.

``This would be a perfect place for Zydrunas (Ilgauskas, the often-injured Cavaliers center) to get back into shape,'' one Mavericks official said.

You hear that, Zydrunas? The Mavericks already have plans for you when you become a free agent in 2005.

In the meantime, the Mavericks treat run-of-the-mill centers as if they're a guest being pampered at a luxurious spa.

``This place is awesome,'' said Evan Eschmeyer, who signed with the Mavericks after two seasons with New Jersey. ``It's incredible. I don't know what else as a player you would want. (Cuban) has come in and given us what we want. What he wants in return is our best effort every night. Everything is first-class. Everything from the towels on up.''

Interesting that Eschmeyer mentioned towels. It even is cited in the team's media guide that the Mavericks have the ``best in towels.'' Cuban is very proud of his towels, which he says cost ``four bucks more'' apiece than what most NBA teams spend.

With all the extra money Cuban has spent on the arena, you'd think he would have gotten something extra for himself. Indeed he has. Cuban had a special bunker built underneath the stands for time spent before games and during halftime.

The bunker, about as big as good-sized living room, has couches with smooth black leather upholstery. It has a giant-screen television surrounded by a half-dozen medium-sized TVs. It has a large desk with a computer, where Cuban spends time answering the many e-mails that he receives.

Maybe in future years a big-time free agent will demand his own bunker before signing with the Mavericks. Cuban just might be able to arrange that.

Trivia time

Other than Gund Arena, where the Cavs are 169-117 in eight seasons, the Cavs have a winning record in only one current NBA arena. Name it.

Short jumpers

There was sadness around the NBA last week after Toronto assistant Stan Albeck, the second head coach in Cavs history, suffered a stroke. Albeck has regained strength in his right side, where he suffered some paralysis, but he still is having trouble speaking. Albeck, 70, is a true NBA lifer. He hasn't been a head coach since 1985-86, but he has stayed on as a scout and assistant because of his great love of the game. ``He's at home with basketball,'' said Austin Carr, who played for the Cavs during Albeck's only season with the team in 1979-80. ``He was born to be a basketball coach.'' Carr said he was ``shocked'' to hear of Albeck's stroke because he ``always looked to be in good health.'' Albeck's stint with the Cavs hardly was glorious, as they went 37-45. Albeck then bolted to San Antonio, where he had the best of his seven seasons as an NBA head coach, winning three division titles in three years.

Since Darryl Dawkins and Bill Willoughby came out in 1975, there have been 18 players drafted by the NBA directly out of high school, 14 in the first round. Excluding Leon Smith, a 1999 draftee who never played in the NBA, the fewest games any of the first-rounders has played as a rookie was 21 by Al Harrington with Indiana in 1998-99. (That was during a 50-game lockout season. For an 82-game season, the low was Jonathan Bender's 24 games with the Pacers in 1999-2000). Harrington, at 2.1, also has the lowest scoring average. But Cavs rookie center DeSagana Diop, who has a microscopic average of 0.5 while having appeared in just four of his team's first 29 games, could top (or is that bottom?) both of those lows.

Heading into last night's game at Chicago, the Cavs were 6-6 since Ilgauskas returned from his latest foot injury. During the past six seasons, the Cavs are 70-53 when Ilgauskas plays. When he doesn't, they're 115-169. But if Ilgauskas, who is being restricted to 24 minutes per game, were able to play more, the Cavs might have a slightly better record since his latest return. When Ilgauskas has been on the floor this season, the Cavs have outscored foes 450-435. When he has not in the game, the Cavs have been outscored 703-699.

Bill Cartwright has played for a No. 1-ranked college basketball team at the University of San Francisco.

He's played in front of rabid and critical fans at Madison Square Garden as a New York Knick. He's endured Michael Jordan's wrath and the crucible of NBA Finals games.

Cartwright's been nervous only once.

Last night, his debut as the 14th coach in Bulls franchise history, wasn't that time.

``I had to throw out the first pitch at Candlestick Park after one of the Bulls' championships,'' Cartwright recalled. ``I remember thinking as I walked out, `God, I just played basketball in front of a million people on TV.' But I was shaking.''

An announced crowd of only 16,342 -- the smallest of the season -- came to the United Center to watch Cartwright's debut. But they made their feelings known with a prolonged standing ovation as Cartwright walked calmly onto the court, trailed by assistants Bill Berry and Pete Myers.

Cartwright, wearing a slight smile, casually waved an index finger in recognition.

He then watched the Bulls make his debut a success, snapping an eight-game skid with a 103-80 victory over the Cavs. Ron Mercer's 15 points led seven Bulls in double figures as they matched their highest scoring output of the season.

``I'm only as good as these guys,'' Cartwright said in his typically humble manner.

The previous 36 hours had been busy ones for Cartwright.

He ran his first practice Friday and followed that with his introductory news conference. He made calls to his father and six sisters. He fielded calls from his high school and college coaches.

He had yet to hear from some of the coaches who had shaped him, people like Phil Jackson.

``But I'm tempted to call him,'' Cartwright said. ``I may need some meditation.''

The Bulls did anything but sleepwalk through a first half in which they immediately displayed an increased defensive intensity that Cartwright had promised.

The Bulls held Cleveland to 38.9 percent shooting and 40 points in the first half and forced eight turnovers. At one point, Cartwright stood clapping as the Bulls almost forced the Cavaliers into a 24-second violation.

Offensively, Marcus Fizer responded to being placed back in the second unit behind Charles Oakley by coming off the bench to score 11 points before halftime, six on dunks.

The Bulls increased their lead to 23 by the end of the third quarter as Ron Artest scored seven points in the quarter.

Before the game, Cartwright emphasized that rookies Tyson Chandler and Eddy Curry would continue to get opportunities to play but that their playing time would hinge on their performance.

Curry took advantage yesterday with a season-high-tying 10 points. Curry also displayed an increased toughness and aggressiveness as he got to the free-throw line seven times, making four.

CHRIS TOMASSON of the Akron Beacon-Journal reports: Cavaliers center Zydrunas Ilgauskas once again is a candidate for the NBA's
Sixth Man Award. After starting Wednesday against New Jersey, Cavs coach John Lucas decided to bring Ilgauskas off the bench for last night's game against New York. ``I started him, and I didn't like it,'' said Lucas, who had to pull Ilgauskas from the game with 6:27 left when he reached his maximum of 24 minutes (he actually played 25) as he recovers from foot surgery. Lucas also decided not to start Ilgauskas because he wanted to go with a quicker lineup against the athletic Knicks and because the Cavs are playing on back-to-back nights, which means Ilgauskas only has about 40 minutes for the two games. With Ilgauskas, who came off the bench for his first 10 games back before making his first start against the Nets, in reserve, Chris Mihm moved from power forward to center, Jumaine Jones from small to power forward and athletic Ricky Davis was inserted at small forward. Lucas said he had awakened with `'a brainstorm'' earlier this week to start Ilgauskas, and that he ``outsmarted himself.'' But he said there still should be times when Ilgauskas starts later this season. Ilgauskas will be evaluated next week, and Lucas is hoping he can get a few extra minutes for him, although he admits it's a long shot. ``I don't care if I start or not,'' Ilgauskas said. ``Coach just wants me to have more minutes in the second half.''

Music was blaring in the Cavaliers locker room. Players were flashing toothy smiles.

So what kind of victory was it?

``It was a big win,'' forward Jumaine Jones said.

Wrong answer, according to Coach John Lucas.

``It was a great win for us,'' forward Ricky Davis said.

Lucas couldn't have liked that answer either.

``Anytime you can beat a team like New York, you've got to feel good,'' guard Wesley Person said.

Lucas didn't.

After the Cavs defeated the Knicks 98-88 last night at Gund Arena, you'd think Lucas would have joined the chorus in praising the team's performance.

Hardly. Wearing an icy expression that could have frozen a Florida orange crop, Lucas ripped just about everything he could.

``If you're looking for a compliment, you're not going to get one,'' Lucas said.

Lucas was in no mood to sing the praises of Jones scoring a career-high 28 points. He wasn't about to celebrate point guard Andre Miller racking up 25 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds.

``All of a sudden, we're not considered garbage, and now all of a sudden, we believe it,'' said Lucas, whose Cavs (12-17) started 2-9. ``We're still some garbage. . . . My team believes it's a good win, but I don't think it was solid.

``We act like a team that believes it's won more than six NBA titles and all we've done is win seven games a month.''

It must be said, though, that Lucas had a moment when he acted as if his team had at least won a conference title. When Person drilled a 3-pointer from the left side that put the Cavs ahead 65-56 with 3:25 left in the third quarter, Lucas jumped on top of the scorer's table. A footprint still was visible after the game ended.

Lucas claimed he wasn't necessarily jumping for joy because of the basket. He was just glad his team ran one of his plays correctly.

``Something worked finally,'' Lucas said. ``Ricky Davis made the right read and swung it.''

Lucas' postgame comments show just how far the once-proud Knicks (13-16) have fallen. When a reporter suggested it was a quality win, Lucas noted that New York is ``under .500.''

With that in mind, Lucas was upset that his team came out lethargic, trailing 33-18 early in the second quarter. The Cavs eventually were able to cut the deficit to five at 47-42 at halftime.

When the Cavs opened the second half with a 20-6 run to go ahead 62-53, Lucas conceded to being a tad happy. It was hard to deny it after he nearly hurdled the scorer's table. But Lucas was upset at what transpired thereafter.

``We stopped playing,'' said Lucas, noting his team was playing ``to the crowd.'' We're young, dumb and clumsy. We've got to get out of our teen-age years and mature and get better.''

For what it was worth, the Cavs never allowed the Knicks to regain the lead, although the Knicks did cut the deficit to one early in the fourth quarter. The Cavs put the game away because center Zydrunas Ilgauskas, who played 19 minutes off the bench, had six of his 11 points in the final quarter. Lucas noted it was because Ilgauskas ``started realizing he was 7-foot-3 and stopped pump faking.''

Then there was Jones. Picking up some scoring slack with Lamond Murray out due to a bad back, Jones had 16 of his points and six of his eight rebounds in the second half. All Lucas could muster about Jones' career-high scoring effort was, ``That's great.'' Maybe he didn't like the fact Jones got his final points on an alley-oop dunk in the waning seconds when the game already had been decided.

Then there was Person, who had some defensive troubles in the first half when Knicks guard Allan Houston scored 20 of his 28 points.

But in the second half, Person was much better, helping force Houston into 3-of-10 shooting.

Person had 14 of his 20 points and four of his five steals after halftime.

``Wesley Person has been major,'' Lucas said. ``He's been a guy that has stepped up night after night and taken on a major leadership role.''

Wait a minute. Did Lucas just utter a compliment that wasn't left-handed (Lucas, of course, is left-handed)?

Yes, he did. But let the record show he wasn't smiling when he said it.

Tip-off: 8:30 tonight at United Center.

TV/radio: WUAB Ch. 43; WTAM AM/1100.

Injuries: Cavs - Michael Doleac (ankle), Jeff Trepagnier (knee) and Tyrone Hill (back) are out. Lamond Murray (back) is doubtful. Bulls - Jamal Crawford (knee), A.J. Guyton (hamstring) and Eddie Robinson (toe) are out.

Notable: The Bulls are on an eight-game losing streak. . . . The Cavs defeated the Bulls by 13 in Cleveland on Dec. 18.

Thank goodness John Lucas' postgame comments didn't indicate last night's final result. It had the mood of a funeral.

"I didn't think we played particularly well," said Lucas, coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers. "I'm about winning basketball games and this isn't good enough. My team believes we've won six NBA titles and we've won only seven games this month. We've got to get better."

If the Cavs would've played any better, they might have won by 20.

But they managed to regroup from a sluggish start with an impressive second half which led to a 98-88 victory over the New York Knicks at Gund Arena.

Despite the win not being enough for Lucas, the victory snapped the Cavs' two-game losing streak and gave the team a needed boost before its game at Chicago tonight. Also, Jumaine Jones scored a career-high 28 points. Andre Miller finished with 25 points and 11 assists, and Wes Person finished with 20.

Bimbo Coles shared Lucas' sentiment following the victory.

"Coach isn't happy with the way we played, especially in the first half," Coles said.

"We need to come out focused from the start instead of coming out sluggish. We haven't played the way we're capable of over the past couple of weeks. If we would've taken care of the games we should have, we could be close to .500 and I agree with him."

In agreement or not, the Cavs (12-17) rebounded from a slow start and were sparked in the third quarter by the play of Miller and Jones. The Cavs trailed by one early in the third but a 14-4 run, capped by Jones' dunk, gave the Cavs a 62-53 lead.

"Tonight, we made plays on both ends of the floor," Person said. " Z' [Zydrunas Ilgauskas] made some big buckets, Jumaine made some open shots, and 'Dre made some big plays and that made the difference."

The Knicks (13-16) stopped the bleeding with a trey, but Person answered with a 3-pointer from the corner. The Knicks managed a rally and trailed by three heading into the fourth.

Shandon Anderson provided the Knicks with a big 3-pointer for a 74-73 deficit with 8:41 left. Jones' jumper began an 8-0 spurt Ilgauskas ended with a jumper for an 82-73 lead.

"Jumaine played big," Person said. "He took the shots that came to him, he ran the court and played pretty good defense. He stepped up big tonight."

But the Knicks wouldn't go away as they climbed back and trailed by five with 1:39 left. The Cavs, however, finally put them away when Ilgauskas canned another jumper followed by Person's open-court steal and dunk for a 93-84 lead with 1:02 left.

And yes. Lucas remained unmoved with the thrilling finish.

"I demand more from this team," Lucas said. "It isn't good enough just to get the win. I'm not coaching just to get another contract. I'm about bringing a winning basketball team to Cleveland. It's about focusing. Right now, I have to get their focus back because we could've played better."