"The victory came Wednesday night at The Q. The effort required to earn it began an evening earlier in Miami.

The Cavaliers fell short against LeBron James and the Heat, 92-85, but the intensity and competitiveness so evident early in the season returned to their game. It carried over versus the Knicks and helped them to a 91-81 win before 16,760 fans.

"The one thing we talked about before the game (against Miami) was just getting back to playing the way we are capable of playing, especially on the defensive end. I thought we did that (Tuesday) night. The (22) turnovers cost us dearly against a team like Miami, but tonight the effort on the defensive end was just as good, if not better. I thought the energy was just as good, if not better, and I thought our focus was there for 48 minutes.""