1 stud and 1 dud for Cavaliers from their win over Lakers on Tuesday

While last night’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers was just one of 82 in the regular season, it is impossible to deny it wasn’t an important game for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

LeBron James was back in town, which typically draws national attention. However, the Cavaliers have only defeated James once at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse (formerly Quicken Loans Arena), which was back on March 29, 2011.

Cleveland was sparked in the first quarter by a returning Jarrett Allen, who was a perfect 7-of-7 from the field in the first quarter for 14 points.

Allen’s first quarter spark helped the Cavaliers as both teams struggled from three-point range in the first quarter. Cleveland hit 1-of-7 from beyond the arc, while the Lakers went 3-of-14.

Allen’s torrid start continued into the second quarter as he added eight points and went into the half with 22 points and seven assists. The Lakers shooting woes also carried over into the second quarter, and LA shot just 3-of-20 from beyond the arc in the first half.

But, the Cavaliers defense in the paint was shaky during the first half, as the Lakers shot 13-of-17 in the paint. Despite allowing the Lakers several easy looks in the first 24 minutes, Cleveland led 57-49 at the half.

In fairness, the Lakers did lose reigning Western Conference Player of the Week, Anthony Davis, who played just eight minutes before exiting the game with what was reportedly to be flu-like symptoms.

Cleveland pushed the lead to nine points at one point in the third quarter, but LA fought back and cut the lead to just two points entering the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, though, Cleveland’s defense, which was tied with the Milwaukee Bucks for the best NBA defensive rating (106.7), put the clamps down on the Lakers.

LeBron only took one shot, and overall, Cleveland held LA to just 7-of-20 (35%) shooting, including 0-of-7 from three-point range.

Meanwhile, the Cavaliers were sparked by a 21-6 run late in the fourth quarter to help them put the Lakers away. Cleveland’s record at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse improved to 11-1 on the season with the win over LA.

As for the stud of last night’s game, there is only one logical choice.