Golden State make it 11 consecutive wins as they overwhelm Pelicans…
Although there were just three games on the NBA schedule on Thursday night, there was still plenty to talk about as the Cleveland Cavaliers won their fifth straight game thanks to Kyrie Irving.
Irving scored a season-high 37 points including a tear-drop lay-up with 10 seconds left to secure the win for the visitors which was their fifth consecutive victory as they move to 10-7 for the season.
LeBron James finished with 19 points and 12 assists and called his teammate’s play “spectacular” as the Cavs point guard came up with plays when needed.
The result means the New York Knicks dropped their sixth straight game despite 18 points and nine rebounds from Amar’e Stoudemire, as Derek Fisher’s team couldn’t produce a repeat performance of their shock win earlier this season in Cleveland.
Over in the Western Conference, the Portland Trail Blazers sealed a win over the Indiana Pacers behind 23 points and eight rebounds from point guard Damian Lillard.
LaMarcus Aldridge added 18 points and 13 rebounds despite a disappointing shooting night, but it will mean little given that the Blazers have now won three straight and 12 of their last 13 to improve to 15-4.
In contrast, it has been a struggle for the Pacers despite getting some key players back from injury as they have now lost their last three games to open a four-game road trip.
However, there are no such problems for the Golden State Warriors who made it 11 consecutive wins on Thursday night with a comprehensive victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Warriors now hold the best record in the NBA at 16-2 with Stephen Curry (19 points and 11 assists) and Klay Thompson (23 points) guiding them to a 27-point win.
“That’s the best game we’ve played in a long time,” rookie coach Steve Kerr said. “Part of it was that we knew we were challenged by this team. It was good for our team to come in and feel threatened, and as a result kind of get our edge back.”
While Golden State continues to shine on the offensive end, Kerr will have been delighted with the increased effort on defense as they claimed 11 steals and forced the Pelicans into 17 turnovers as the hosts find their balance and continue to look like a legitimate contender this season.
NBA Results
Cleveland Cavaliers 90-87 New York Knicks
Indiana Pacers 82-88 Portland Trail Blazers
New Orleans Pelicans 85-112 Golden State Warriors
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