Irving shines for Cleveland without LeBron…
The New York Knicks continued their turnaround on Wednesday night with a win over the Oklahoma City Thunder despite 40 points from Russell Westbrook.
Carmelo Anthony had 31 points and 10 rebounds but he had the support of his teammates to help guide the Knicks over the line with Langston Galloway adding 18 points and Lance Thomas scoring a season-high 17.
Russell Westbrook responded with 40 points for the Thunder who were missing Kevin Durant due to a toe injury, and the difference without him was felt as the Knicks won for the fourth time in five games.
Meanwhile, the big point guard performances continued on Wednesday with Cleveland Cavaliers star Kyrie Irving putting up 55 points against the Portland Trail Blazers to overcome the absence of LeBron James.
James sat out with a wrist injury but Irving proved that the Cavs can win without him as they extended their winning streak to eight games to improve to 27-20 for the season.
LaMarcus Aldridge had 38 points for the visitors along with 11 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough for the Blazers to avoid defeat as the Cavs continue to show signs that they have figured it out this season.
The Atlanta Hawks extended their winning streak on Wednesday too as Paul Millsap’s 28-point and 15-rebound performance overcame the Brooklyn Nets as Atlanta move to 38-8 for the season with their franchise-best 17th straight win.
Joe Johnson scored 23 points but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Nets from losing for an 11th time in the last 13 outings.
Over in the West, the San Antonio Spurs saw off the Charlotte Hornets behind 16 points and five rebounds from Danny Green in a low-scoring affair while the Phoenix Suns took advantage of the Thunder slipping up by beating the Washington Wizards to extend their lead for the final playoff spot.
Goran Dragic had 20 points as the Suns held off Washington who will be glad to have a break after playing four games in five nights.
NBA Results
Portland Trail Blazers 94-99 Cleveland Cavaliers
Detroit Pistons 69-89 Philadelphia 76ers
Sacramento Kings 102-119 Toronto Raptors
Brooklyn Nets 102-113 Atlanta Hawks
Dallas Mavericks 94-99 Houston Rockets
Boston Celtics 98-110 Minnesota Timberwolves
Denver Nuggets 93-85 New Orleans Pelicans
Oklahoma City Thunder 92-100 New York Knicks
Charlotte Hornets 86-95 San Antonio Spurs
Los Angeles Clippers 94-89 Utah Jazz
Washington Wizards 98-106 Phoenix Suns
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