Cavs' bench struggles again in 106-91 loss to Thunder

Thunder forward Nick Collison knocks the ball away from Cavaliers forward Tristan Thompson in the second quarter on Sunday. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

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OKLAHOMA CITY: Try as they might, the Cavaliers still can't find a combination of bench players who can keep games close.

Kyrie Irving had 20 points and five assists, Alonzo Gee had 18 points and Daniel Gibson had 16 off the bench, but the Cavs got little else out of their reserves in Sunday's 106-91 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Coach Byron Scott tried plenty of combinations, benching C.J. Miles in favor of Omri Casspi. He sat Samardo Samuels four minutes into the game and turned to Jon Leuer. But Casspi and Leuer were a combined 3 of 14.

He sat Dion Waiters for all of the fourth quarter, electing to stick with Gibson, who was the lone bright spot off the bench. Gibson shot 6 of 12, the rest of the reserves combined to shoot 4 of 18 and score 13 points.

Russell Westbrook sank a 3-pointer from just inside half court at the end of the third quarter to give the Thunder a 79-73 lead. The 31-foot shot energized the Thunder, the arena and most especially Westbrook. He made two more 3-pointers to begin the fourth and the Thunder quickly pulled away.

Westbrook had 27 points and 10 assists and Kevin Durant had 26 points and eight rebounds to send the Cavs to their fourth loss in five games on this road trip.

The Cavs finish the trip Tuesday when they play at Brooklyn.