NBA Wrap: Cavs win in Irving's return; Heat rally late over Blazers
December 20, 2015 | 9:10pm
CLEVELAND — Kyrie Irving scored 12 points and played 17 minutes in his season debut and LeBron James had 23, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 108-86 victory Sunday (Monday in Manila) over the Philadelphia 76ers, who lost their 10th straight and fell to 1-28.
Irving was on the floor for the first time since breaking his left kneecap in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against Golden State. The Cavs managed without him, going 17-7 to start the season. But Cleveland is more complete with the All-Star point guard healthy and back.
Matthew Dellavedova made four 3-pointers and added 20 points for the Cavs, who improved to 12-1 at home and are eyeing a Christmas Day game against the Warriors. James didn't play in the fourth quarter, logging a season-low 26 minutes.
Nerlens Noel had 15 points and 12 rebounds for the brutal Sixers, now 0-17 on the road and on their second double-digit losing streak.
HEAT 116, TRAIL BLAZERS 109
Miami Heat's Chris Bosh shoots against the Portland Trail Blazers in an NBA game in Miami. AP Photo/Lynne Sladky
MIAMI — Chris Bosh scored 29 points, Hassan Whiteside shook off a slow first half to finish with 22 points and 11 rebounds, and Miami beat Portland.
Dwyane Wade had 18 points and added seven assists for the Heat. They trailed by 12 at one point and were down 10 at the half.
The Heat shot 57 percent and played the final 13:37 without Goran Dragic. He was ejected for the first time in his career after arguing two foul calls.
Damian Lillard had 32 points and nine assists for Portland.
TIMBERWOLVES 100, NETS 85
Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns soars for a dunk against the Brooklyn Nets. AP Photo/Kathy Kmonicek
NEW YORK — Karl-Anthony Towns had 24 points and 10 rebounds in the building where he was taken with the No. 1 pick in the June draft, and Minnesota beat Brooklyn.
Gorgui Dieng added 20 points and 10 boards to lead a strong bench unit that blew the game open in the fourth quarter. Andrew Wiggins scored 16 points, and Ricky Rubio had 15 assists.
Brook Lopez had 20 points, 12 rebounds and five assists for the Nets.
HAWKS 103, MAGIC 100
Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver dribbles by Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo during a game in Orlando, Florida | AP Photo/Willie J. Allen Jr.
Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver dribbles by Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo during a game in Orlando, Florida | AP Photo/Willie J. Allen Jr.
ORLANDO, Florida (AP) — Kyle Korver scored 13 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter and Atlanta rallied to beat Orlando.
Korver had four 3-pointers in the final period and six overall. Mike Scott added 15 points, and Al Horford and Jeff Teague scored 14 apiece in Atlanta's third straight victory.
The Magic had the ball and a chance to tie with 7.3 seconds remaining, but the Hawks smothered an inbounds pass to Evan Fournier. The ball eventually found its way to Nik Vucevic, but he failed to get off a shot. Vucevic led Orlando with 20 points and 11 rebounds.
KINGS 104, RAPTORS 94
Sacramento Kings guard Rajon Rondo shoots during a training session. | AP File Photo/Rebecca Blackwell
Sacramento Kings guard Rajon Rondo shoots during a training session. | AP File Photo/Rebecca Blackwell
TORONTO — Rajon Rondo had 19 points and 13 assists, Rudy Gay scored 19 points against his former team and Sacramento beat Toronto to end a four-game road losing streak.
Omri Casspi added 15 points and 11 rebounds for the Kings.
DeMar DeRozan had 28 points for the Raptors. Toronto point guard Kyle Lowry was ejected for consecutive technical fouls after arguing with referee Scott Wall with 7:22 left in the third quarter.
PELICANS 130, NUGGETS 125
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New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis, left, is checked by center Kendrick Perkins during a time out against the Denver Nuggets. | AP Photo/David Zalubowski
DENVER — Anthony Davis left after the first quarter with an illness only to return in the fourth and finish with 27 points, lifting New Orleans past Denver.
|New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis, left, is checked by center Kendrick Perkins during a time out against the Denver Nuggets. | AP Photo/David Zalubowski
DENVER — Anthony Davis left after the first quarter with an illness only to return in the fourth and finish with 27 points, lifting New Orleans past Denver.
Davis had a dominating first quarter, scoring 19 points before leaving after feeling sick. He returned early in the fourth and sparked the Pelicans.
Tyreke Evans and Jrue Holiday each added 21 points for New Orleans. Will Barton had 32 points and 10 rebounds for Denver.
BUCKS 101, SUNS 95
Milwaukee Bucks' Khris Middleton | AP File Photo/Aaron Gash
PHOENIX — Khris Middleton scored 11 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter and Greg Monroe hit a spinning, go-ahead layup with 20.6 seconds left to lift Milwaukee past Phoenix.
Bucks coach Jason Kidd said after the game that he will be taking an indefinite leave to have hip surgery. Assistant Joe Prunty will direct the team in his absence.
Eric Bledsoe had his potential tying layup blocked by Michael Carter-Williams with 7.9 seconds left, and Middleton hit four free throws in the final 5 seconds.
Carter-Williams had 20 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Bledsoe and TJ Warren led the Suns with 18 points each.
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