PHOENIX (AP) – Kyrie Irving sank a 3-pointer as the shot clock expired with 21.9 seconds to play and the Cleveland Cavaliers held on to hand the Phoenix Suns their fifth loss in a row, 101-97 on Monday night.
Brandon Knight’s 3-pointer cut Cleveland’s lead to 96-95 with 1:27 to go and, after LeBron James missed a jumper, Knight sank another 3 but it was waved off because of an offensive foul against the Suns’ Tyson Chandler.
The Cavs almost turned it over on their next possession but got the ball to Irving, who made a jumper from beyond the top of the key in his fourth game since returning from knee surgery.
Irving also hit a 12-foot floater to put Cleveland ahead 96-92 with 1:44 to go.