Even though the Cavs trailed for most of the game, they went back to their defensive roots early in the fourth quarter, stifling the Rockets, taking their first lead since early in the second quarter and having a chance to pull off the comeback.

The Rockets hit two free throws late while the Cavaliers missed two free throws seconds later, allowing Houston to hold off Cleveland .

Darius Garland is a 90% free throw shooter. That did not matter Wednesday night. The Cleveland point guard had a chance to give his Cavaliers the lead at the free throw line with 2.1 seconds remaining against the Houston Rockets.