Cavaliers 94, Wizards 84: Kyrie Irving had 29 points and six rebounds and rookie Dion Waiters scored 17 points in his NBA debut as host Cleveland recovered after Washington's furious fourth-quarter rally to hold on for a season-opening victory.

The Wizards reeled off a 16-0 run to take a 76-74 lead early in the fourth quarter - their first advantage since it was 17-15 midway through the first period but couldn't finish the job.

Waiters nailed a 3-pointer from the right wing to snap Washington's run and put Cleveland back in front. Tristan Thompson scored seven of his 12 points in the final two minutes and added 10 rebounds and five assists for the Cavaliers.

Cleveland's Anderson Varejao had career-highs in rebounds (23) and assists (9) to go with nine points. Jordan Crawford scored 11 points to lead Washington, and Emeka Okafor added 10 points and seven rebounds in his Wizards debut.

The loss snapped the Wizards' six-game winning streak dating to last season - the longest active streak in the league.

GAME NOTEBOOK: The short-handed Wizards were without star point guard John Wall (knee) and forwards Nene (plantar fasciitis) and Kevin Seraphin (strained right calf). … Washington missed 15 of its last 16 field-goal attempts after Martell Webster's bucket tied it at 80 with 5:31 left. … The Cavaliers continue their home stand Friday against Chicago, while the Wizards play their home opener Saturday against Boston.