Nov 17, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives on Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) during the fourth quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. The Nuggets beat the Cavaliers 106-97
Nov 17, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives on Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) during the fourth quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. The Nuggets beat the Cavaliers 106-97 REUTERS

The Denver Nuggets stopped the momentum of the Cleveland Cavaliers' four-game winning streak by winning on their opponents' home floor, 106-97. The starting backcourt of Aaron Afflalo and Ty Lawson did much of the damage in the high scoring affair netting 24 and 23 points respectively.

Cleveland jumpstarted their winning streak in Denver more than a week ago but the Nuggets brought a different team in this one. Three other players scored in double figures in Timofey Mozgov, Darrell Arthur and Wilson Chandler with Arthurs displaying a long range arsenal converting three three-point baskets that was devastating to the Cavaliers' defence. Earlier in the week, Coach Brian Shaw attributed the slow start of the team to their defence.

"It could have been our defence," Shaw said before the start of the game. "Our defence seems to have gotten every team that we've played going."

The Eastern Conference favourites hang on until midway the third quarter when the visiting team broke loose and spread the lead to 14 points. Cleveland finally got a good and efficient game from newly acquired All-star Kevin Love who contributed 20 points and 11 rebounds on just 11 shots but the problem was on the defensive side and taking care of the ball. The Cavaliers surrendered a ton of points on almost 50 percent shooting to the Nuggets while committing 15 turnovers on their side of the ball.

Reigning eastern Conference Player of the Week LeBron James did his damage with 22 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists but needed 18 shots to get there and committed four uncharacteristic turnovers. The two-time champion missed shoot around and was a game time decision due to a severe cold but displayed no ill-effects of the ailment driving the ball and drawing defences. The play of the night belonged to the Cavaliers when Kevin Love threw an 80-foot inbounds play that went the length of the court fell perfectly to a streaking James sho laid it in plus a foul.

Denver moves up to 3-7 and is hoping to ride the momentum of the road win. Shaw has been the target of early criticism and has shown that he can utilize a roster full of mid-level NBA talent. The Cavaliers are facing a tough series of games which includes the reigning champions San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors and the Washington Wizards.