David Blatt takes blame for Cleveland Cavaliers loss

Cleveland Cavaliers coach David Blatt has taken responsibility for the 106-97 loss against the Denver Nuggets on Monday night.

Blatt visibly criticised his team during a time-out in the fourth quarter, but his motivational tactic did not have its desired effect as the Cavs were unable to close the deficit.

"I knew going into this game that this was a dangerous, dangerous game and I made that point from the first time we walked in the locker room this morning, but I did not do a good enough job," Blatt told reporters.

"Because if you're thinking about, when I'm animated and I'm trying to get them going, then I'm late. I really am. And I tried. Because I knew it was coming, to be honest with you.

Kevin Love finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds and he was the only starter to shoot better than 50% from the field, but he insisted that the blame should fall on the players.