Irving's 26 leads Cavaliers over Wizards 87-84

Okafor had 10 rebounds to help Washington outrebound Cleveland 51-38.

"For the most part, we played them pretty well defensively, it's just the turnovers," Okafor said. "We had 20 turnovers to their 10, so in a three-point loss, there you go."

The Wizards broke on top 22-10 with 4:51 to play in the first quarter, thanks to Nene's 10 points. Cleveland's Irving had 12 of his 20 first-half points in the second quarter to help the Cavaliers grab a 45-43 halftime lead.

Washington started Shelvin Mack at the point. It was Mack's first NBA start. The second-year guard had been cut by the Wizards at the end of training camp, and re-signed on Tuesday after a strong stint in the D-League.

Mack was starting because Crawford was late to Wednesday's shootaround according to a team source. Before the game, Wittman said that Crawford was benched for a violation of team rules. Crawford left the locker room before the media was allowed in.

Mack, who injured his groin and didn't play the last 4:11, had six points, seven assists and six rebounds.

The Cavaliers won their season opener with Washington, and nearly two months later, beat them again. They play again March 12 in Cleveland.

"The NBA hasn't done us any favors as far as the schedule, period. You've got two teams that are struggling a little bit, obviously. Us and them. Right now we feel pretty good about the two wins. Now it's just trying to build on them," Scott said.

NOTES: Shaun Livingston, who was waived after Saturday's game by the Wizards, was on the Cavaliers' bench after his Tuesday signing. Scott said he would evaluate Livingston, who's playing with his seventh NBA team, after Thursday's practice. ... Cleveland C Anderson Varejao missed his fourth game with a bruised right knee. Scott said he would be evaluated on Thursday. ... Temple, who signed on Tuesday, had two points.