Brown, Raptors Slam Cavaliers

Dee Brown is on a roll.

Brown scored a season-high 28 points, including a team-record eight 3-pointers, to lead the Toronto Raptors over the Cleveland Cavaliers 101-91 Tuesday night.

"Every time if came off my hand, I thought it was going in," said Brown, who was 8-of-14 from long range for the Raptors, who won for the ninth time in 11 games.

Brown has averaged 19.2 points and made 24 3-pointers over his last five games.

"The last two weeks, I've been feeling it," Brown said.

Cavs coach Mike Fratello said Brown made the difference.

"We talked about Dee and tried to be ready," Fratello said. "We let him get in and get his first look at the basket and he knocked down a 3, which got those guys off and rolling."

Cleveland never seriously challenged after Brown's two quick 3-pointers sparked a 20-5 run that gave Toronto a 42-26 lead.

"I think it was more team defense that did it," Brown said. "We got a chance to get out on the break. That's how I got most of my 3s tonight."

Cedric Henderson led Cleveland with 16 points, while Shawn Kemp and Derek Anderson each scored 15. Doug Christie added 21 points for Toronto.

Cleveland used a 10-0 run in the third quarter to pull within 61-52. But Brown made two 3-pointers during a period-ending 18-9 spurt to put Toronto ahead 79-61.

"Defensively, we missed a lot of assignments," Kemp said. "Sooner or later we have to realize if we want to get better that we have got to bring it early and keep playing. We have not done that the last two games and it is frustrating."

Toronto's reserves, led by Brown, outscored the Cavs' substitutes 52-33.

Notes: Cavs guard Brevin Knight did not suit up because of a contusion on the outside of his left knee. He is listed as day-to-day. ... Toronto guard Vince Carer left with a bruised right knee and Raptors forward Tracy McGrady left with a sprained left thumb in the second quarter. Both returned in the third quarter. ... Toronto is 4-9 lifetime against the Cavs. ... Toronto went 11-6 in March, the first winning month in team history. ... Cleveland had a five-game home winning streak broken. ... Danny Ferry hit all five of his shots for Cleveland. He is 15-for-17 in his last three home games.

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