Offensive bursts by swingman Bryant Stith have resulted in two recent
dramatic comebacks by the Cavaliers that fell just short. Last Wednesday at Boston, Stith played only the game's final 15 minutes, and scored all 10 of his points in the final 6:19. The Cavs, who trailed by 16 with 7:57 left, cut the deficit to three in the final minute before falling 104-98. Stith did it again Saturday against Indiana after checking into the game for the first time with 5:53 left and the Cavs trailing 97-84. Stith scored all 10 of his points in the final 1:55, as the Cavs closed to within two points in the final seconds before falling 109-103. ``You never know when you're going to be called upon,'' said Stith, who didn't play Friday at Miami because Cavs coach John Lucas wanted to go with more athletic players. ``It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out I'm now the 10th man in a nine-man rotation. But I'm the last person in this locker room who's going to complain about playing time.'' Lucas said Stith has earned himself more time. It figures to be at the expense of Ricky Davis, who shot just 1-of-4 for two points and had three turnovers against the Pacers. ``Ricky has been up and down lately,'' Lucas said. ``I've got to look at having consistency.''
PUTTING IT ON THE FLOOR -- In the first 12 games, a span of more than 300 minutes played, Cavs forward Jumaine Jones didn't make a single free throw, missing both his attempts. In the past 15 games, a span of more than 500 minutes played, Jones has shot 12-of-14 from the line. Maybe that's not a great pace, but it's impressive considering where Jones came from. He rarely took the ball to the hoop early in the season. ``I'm getting more comfortable putting the ball on the floor,'' Jones said. ``I'm getting my confidence up going to the basket.'' Lucas said coaches have spent a great deal of time ``emphasizing ballhandling skills for Jumaine.'' Becoming more of an all-around player has shown up on the stat sheet for Jones. He's averaged 13.6 points the past seven games to raise his average to 10.7. Jones also has stepped up his rebounding. He's averaged 9.7 boards the past seven games to raise his average to 7.8.

LATE-NIGHT WORKOUT -- The Cavs will take today off, but they are due back at Gund Arena for a 9 p.m. practice on Christmas Day. ``We've not been playing well enough to give them two days off,'' said Lucas, who at least scheduled a late practice to give players somewhat of a holiday break. The Cavs yesterday lifted weights but did not practice. Lucas gave each player an identical Christmas gift. ``They haven't opened them yet,'' said Lucas, when asked what the gifts are. Lucas received several gifts from players and Cavs officials. Some he will open tomorrow. Among those that weren't wrapped were candies, chocolates and fruit cakes.