Cavs thump Sonics
LeBron James showed Kevin Durant how it’s done by scoring 22 points, and the Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t wait until the fourth quarter to put away the Seattle SuperSonics 95-79 on Tuesday night.
James, who scored 24 points in the fourth on Sunday when the Cavs rallied for a win in Toronto, sat out the final 8:36 as Cleveland coasted to its sixth win in seven games and moved to better than .500 for the first time since Nov. 30.
Durant, Seattle’s silky smooth rookie, scored 24 points and showed off some of his blossoming pro game while being guarded at times by James, who has become close friends with the No. 2 overall pick.
Durant sprained his left ankle while making a jump shot with 7:31 left in the fourth quarter. He untied his sneaker and briefly went to the bench before limping to Seattle’s locker room for treatment and did not return.
Daniel Gibson added 17 points, Anderson Varejao 14 and Sasha Pavlovic 13 for Cleveland.
Wally Szczerbiak had 15 points and Nick Collison 14 rebounds for the Sonics, who lost their fourth straight and were missing starting forward Chris Wilcox (dislocated finger).
Because of all he has in common with James, Durant has turned to Cleveland’s superstar for advice.
“He’s been like a big brother to me,” the 19-year-old Durant said. “I’m very fortunate to have a relationship with probably the best player in the world, and I’m going to take advantage of it.”
James doesn’t mind the mentor role.
“I was in the same position Kevin was coming into the league and trying to be the face of a franchise,” he said. “He’s having his difficulties in his first year just like I had my difficulties.”
Bobcats 115, Nets 99: At Charlotte, N.C., Jason Richardson scored 25 points and the Bobcats overcame Jason Kidd’s third straight triple-double to beat New Jersey.
Kidd finished with 13 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists. He became the first player since Detroit’s Grant Hill 11 seasons ago to have three straight triple-doubles.
Bucks 87, 76ers 83: At Philadelphia, Charlie Bell and Mo Williams each scored 21 points and Milwaukee beat the 76ers.
Rockets 92, Wizards 84: At Washington, Luther Head’s season-high 24 points and Rafer Alston’s double-double (15 points, 10 rebounds) helped Houston defeat the Wizards.
Lakers 117, Grizzlies 101: At Memphis, Tenn., Derek Fisher scored 26 points and Kobe Bryant added 25 to lead Los Angeles to a victory over the Grizzlies.
Jazz 111, Pacers 89: At Salt Lake City, Carlos Boozer scored 22 points and reserve Matt Harpring added 16 to power Utah past Indiana.
Knicks 105, Bulls 100: At Chicago, Eddy Curry scored a season-high 29 points, Jamal Crawford added 24 and the New York beat the Bulls to snap a seven-game losing streak.
Timberwolves 101, Heat 91: At Minneapolis, Rashad McCants scored 27 points and Minnesota beat Miami to snap an eight-game losing streak.
Kings 104, Magic 100: At Sacramento, Calif., John Salmons scored 21 points and Brad Miller had 20 to help the Kings hold off Orlando.
Around the league
The Miami Heat won’t get Shaquille O’Neal back for at least a week while he receives treatment for a hip injury that has sidelined him for six games. … Tracy McGrady will be checked out by the Houston Rockets’ medical staff Thursday to determine when he’ll be able to return from his left knee injury. … Boston Celtics guard Ray Allen has a pinched nerve in his neck and is doubtful for tonight’s home game against the Charlotte Bobcats.