CAVS BEAT SIXERS TO CLINCH TOP SPOT IN NBA EAST

The Cleveland Cavaliers clinched the top spot in the Eastern Conference on Friday night by virtue of a workmanlike 102-92 road victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.  The Cavs only remaining regular season goal is to secure the overall best record in the NBA, and they got an assist at doing so later in the evening as Portland defeated the Los Angeles Lakers who have the second best overall record.

LeBron James posted a ‘double/double’ as he led the Cavs in scoring with 27 points while dishing out 10 assists.  Mo Williams and reserve Wally Szczerbiak added 17 points apiece while Delonte West chipped in for 11 points.  Andre Iguodala led the Sixers with 26 points, while Andre Miller and reserve Lou Williams were the only other Philly players to score in double digits with 17 each.

After the game, LeBron commended his team for reaching yet another lofty preseason goal:

"It means a lot. To set a goal and accomplish it, we should be proud."

Despite the loss, Philadelphia will be heading to the playoffs in the top heavy NBA East.  They’re not exactly entering the postseason with a lot of momentum, however, having lost four straight since clinching the berth.  Sixers coach Tony DiLeo lamented the latest loss:

"We're disappointed because we thought we had a chance to win this game.”

With the Lakers losing in Portland later on Friday night, Cleveland is on the verge of clinching the best overall record in the league.  The Lakers currently stand at 63-17, while the Cavs boast a 64-15 mark.  They’ll have a tough test for their next game, however, as they host the Boston Celtics on Sunday.  They’ll play at Indiana on Monday before concluding the regular season with a rematch against the Sixers at home on Wednesday.  The Sixers travel to Toronto on Sunday before returning home to host the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night.  They’ll head to Cleveland to conclude their schedule on Wednesday.