x
Breaking News
More () »

Washington Wizards beat Cleveland Cavaliers 120-105, clinch East play-in spot

The Cavs had been in contention for the bid before a late-season collapse over the past month.

WASHINGTON — (AP) Russell Westbrook got his first triple-double since passing Oscar Robertson and becoming the NBA's career leader earlier in the week and Washington beat the Cavaliers 120-105 to clinch a spot in the East play-in tournament.

Westbrook had 21 points, 17 assists and 12 rebounds for his 183rd career triple-double and league-leading 37th of the season. The Wizards (33-38) led by just two at halftime before blowing it open in the third quarter.

Collin Sexton had 26 points and Jarrett Allen had 18 points and 14 rebounds as Cleveland (22-49) has now lost seven straight on the road. Kevin Love sat out with a right calf strain two days after scoring 30 in a win over the Boston Celtics.

Washington's seed is yet to be determined, and they could end as high as No. 8 depending on how they, the Charlotte Hornets, and the Washington Wizards end their regular seasons. The Cavs had been in contention for the play-in round down the stretch, but a late-season collapse that has seen them go 3-17 since April 10 put those hopes to rest.

Although the Cavaliers have already clinched their best record in three years, the still sport the fifth-worst mark in the NBA. They'll take the court one more time Sunday night, when they head to New York City to face the Brooklyn Nets.

More Cavs headlines:

Before You Leave, Check This Out