CLEVELAND, OH -- The Cavaliers were without Collin Sexton and Darius Garland, who were added to an injury list that already had Jarrett Allen and Larry Nance on it. Coming off of a beat down against the Raptors a day before Sunday's game, the Cavaliers came out of the gates with a gritty performance. The Cavaliers ran out of gas down the stretch, as Zion Williamson and the Pelicans closed out the game with a 116-109 win.
Cleveland had a lack of bodies to guard Zion, and the big man took full advantage. Williamson lit the Cavaliers up for 38 points on 16-22 shooting, and did not take or make a single three pointer. Brandon Ingram was the second leading scorer of the game with 27 total points.
Dean Wade had the hot hand for the Cavaliers on Sunday evening, scoring a career high 21 points, including 5 of 8 from deep. Cedi Osman continues to look comfortable in his role off the bench, as he chipped in 15 points and 7 rebounds.
The Cavaliers will take both Monday and Tuesday off before facing off against the Charlotte Hornets. Wednesday's tip off is set for 7:00 pm ET at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.