Loans

Cleveland, OH, United States (AHN Sports) – Kyrie Irving scored a team-high 17 points in his second game after returning from injury, but his sterling effort was not enough to spark his team as the Cleveland Cavaliers succumbed to the Miami Heat 111-87 Friday night at Quicken Loans Arena.

Irving added four boards, two assists and one blocked shot in 31 minutes of action.

Irving, 19, who is averaging 18.2 ppg, 5.0 rpg and 3.5 apg on the season, struggled to find his range Friday night as he shot five of 15 from the floor.

He failed to convert on two 3-point attempts just like the rest of Cavaliers, who made only six of 16 from the 3-point arc. Cleveland shot 39.5 percent (30-of-76) overall as against Miami’s 50.6 shooting clip.

Though not as impressive as his outing in Wednesday’s win over Indiana, the former Duke standout also had two steals, was 7-for-7 from the foul line and had one turnover.

He also played well Sunday in logging 39 minutes, scoring 23 points and swatting a pair of shots in a 93-92 win over the Sacramento Kings.

Against the Pacers, Irving’s legs looked lively as he poured a team-best 22 points and had five assists in 37 minutes of play as he returned from a three-game absence due to a concussion.

The Cavaliers, who lost for the third time in four contests, were missing the services of guards Daniel Gibson (sprained left ankle) and Anthony Parker (back spasms). Starting center Anderson Varejao is still out as he deals with a broken wrist.

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