Defensive lapses, turnovers irk Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff | Jeff Schudel

Nov. 19—The Cavaliers "got away with one" Nov. 18 when they beat the Hornets, 132-122, in double overtime to snap a five-game losing streak, to use the words of Coach J.B. Bickerstaff.

Charlotte starters Mason Plumlee and Kelly Oubre Jr. (34 points) fouled out. Plus, the Hornets were without star guard LaMelo Ball, who has missed all but three games this season because of an ankle injury. Ball re-injured the ankle Nov. 16 in a home loss to the Pacers when he inadvertently stepped on a fan's foot while trying to save the ball from going out of bounds.

Bickerstaff was unhappy because the Hornets scored three 3-point baskets in the final 50 seconds of regulation to force the first overtime. Bickerstaff said the Cavs got themselves in trouble when they made defensive switches they didn't have to make. He also was unhappy because the Hornets scored 35 points off 19 Cavaliers turnovers.

"We have to be better,' Bickerstaff said. "We had some careless (turnovers). Our guys are too good, too capable, and we have to improve there.

"We needed to win, no doubt about it. But to me, there are always lessons to be learned. If you can learn them while you're winning, I think it helps you. It gives you confidence. It gives you belief. But we have to be better. We cannot continue to put ourselves in these situations in fourth quarters in close games."

—Forward Dean Wade has missed four straight games with a knee injury. His status for the game with the Heat at 7 p.m. Nov. 20 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse has not been determined.

Bickerstaff said Wade has an infection in the knee and needed an injection of antibiotics to clean it up.