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Monday, Feb. 19 7:30pm ET
Person comes on strong in fourth quarter for Cavs

RECAP | BOX SCORE | GAME FLOW

CLEVELAND (AP) -- Randy Wittman couldn't bear to watch as Fred Hoiberg launched his 3-pointer.

"I just closed my eyes and listened to the crowd," Cleveland's coach said. "They told me."

Hoiberg's attempt rimmed out in the closing seconds and the Cleveland Cavaliers snapped a 10-game losing streak Monday night with an 85-84 victory over the Chicago Bulls.

Wesley Person, injured most of the season, finally got a chance to help Cleveland and scored 10 points in the fourth quarter and Andre Miller made one free throw with 19 seconds left as the Cavaliers won for the first time since beating the Bulls on Jan. 24.

Person, who missed 26 games with an injured elbow and spent considerable time on the bench, made five of seven field goals and all three of his 3-point attempts in 16 minutes, finishing with 13 points.

"This has been very frustrating," said Person, who added he wouldn't be surprised if he's traded before the deadline Thursday. "With all the changes, all the lineups, I just sat. I never asked for a trade, but if one comes along, I'm ready. I'm in the prime of my career and I don't want to sit."

Jim Jackson's leaner in the lane with 1:26 remaining gave Cleveland an 84-82 lead before Elton Brand got free underneath for an easy basket to tie it.

Miller then hit one of two free throws with 19.8 seconds left before Hoiberg's 23-footer rattled out. Person grabbed the rebound and was fouled.

"It went in and out and there's nothing I can do about it," said Hoiberg, who scored 20 points. "It felt great when I released it. I thought it was going in. It was a killer when I saw it roll out. That was the ballgame."

Person then missed both of his attempts at the line, giving the Bulls a last chance. But rookie Marcus Fizer was unable to control the inbounds pass and the ball bounced off him and out of bounds as the clock expired.

Cleveland's reserves outscored Chicago's 20-0 in the fourth period and 53-16 in the game as the Cavs avoided the embarrassment of losing to the NBA's worst team.

Despite the victory, the Cavs still have some big problems. Lamond Murray was benched late in the first half by Wittman after making a horrendous turnover. He didn't play in the second half.

Murray sat at the end of Cleveland's bench with a towel draped over his head and reluctantly walked on the court to take part in timeouts.

"I changed the lineup at halftime because I didn't like what I saw," Wittman said. "I was going to turn off the minutes. I want to find people that will get it done."

Miller added 13 points and nine assists for Cleveland.

Brand had 15 points and 15 rebounds for the Bulls, who were without second-leading scorer Ron Mercer. Mercer sprained his left ankle in a victory over Miami on Saturday and was scratched just before the opening tip.

Fizer had 14 points for the Bulls, who took a 71-62 lead into the fourth quarter.

But that's when Person got hot.

Person, whose biggest contribution this season came last week in Dallas when he flattened Mavericks forward Gary Trent in the infamous "Chalupa Game," made two 3-pointers as the Cavs pulled to 75-74 with 7:11 remaining.

"Wesley came in and was huge," said Gatling. "He showed that he's a true professional. He's been sitting and he's been in coach's doghouse. But he gave us a lift and we needed one."

Gatling's two free throws gave Cleveland its first lead at 76-75 with 6:03 left.

Hoiberg made a pair of 3-pointers and Bryce Drew knocked down another 3 as the Bulls outscored the Cavs 15-4 to begin the second half and open a 61-48 lead. Hoiberg scored 10 points in the period and Brand grabbed seven rebounds as the Bulls went into the fourth nursing their nine-point lead.

Game notes
Brand has 27 double-doubles this season. ... Cavs center Chris Mihm picked up his first career assist in the first half. He went 411 minutes before being credited with an assist. ... Person's third 3-pointer moved him past Craig Ehlo into third place on the Cavs' career 3-pointer list with 382. ... Mercer was ranked second in the league with 42.1 minutes a game. ... The Cavs have a rich history of losing streaks. Cleveland has also had 12-, 15- and 19-game slides. The 19-game skein in 1981-82 was followed by five defeats to open the next season, giving the Cavs an NBA record 24 consecutive setbacks over two seasons. ... Cleveland ranked 27th in a Sports Illustrated poll of the most desirable franchises to coach. Only Vancouver and the Los Angeles Clippers were lower than the Cavs. "I'm glad I'm here," Wittman said.

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RECAPS
Cleveland 85
Chicago 84

LA Clippers 111
Detroit 106

Milwaukee 102
San Antonio 98

Utah 114
Boston 99


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