Cavs bounce back, Westbrook ejected
The Cleveland Cavaliers returned to winning ways as Russell Westbrook was ejected in the NBA on Thursday.
The Cavaliers held off the Boston Celtics for a 124-118 win as LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love dominated.
Westbrook, in irresistible form so far this season, was ejected as the Oklahoma City Thunder were comprehensively beaten by the Memphis Grizzlies.
Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors slumped to a second straight loss.
CAVS RESPOND
Beaten by the Detroit Pistons last time out, the Cavs bounced back.
Irving (32 points and 12 assists), Love (30 points and 15 rebounds) and James (23 points and 11 assists) all had double-doubles.
The Celtics, led by 31 points from Isaiah Thomas, rallied, outscoring the Cavs 35-23 in the fourth quarter.
WESTBROOK STRUGGLES
So good throughout the season, Westbrook battled as the Thunder suffered a 114-80 loss.
He had 21 points and was six-of-19 from the field, while he had six turnovers before being ejected for arguing with officials.
Marc Gasol led the Grizzlies to their win with 25 points and eight rebounds.
RAPTORS DOWNED
The Raptors suffered another loss, beaten 99-91 by the Phoenix Suns.
Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan each had 24 points for the Raptors, while Eric Bledsoe had a double-double of 22 points and 10 assists for the Suns.
KYRIE MAGIC
Kyrie uses his crossover to get to the rim for the @cavs! #DefendTheLandpic.twitter.com/mEUBTRMmO6
— NBA (@NBA) December 30, 2016
JAZZ RALLY
The Utah Jazz outscored the Philadelphia 76ers 30-9 in the fourth quarter to win 100-83, while the Charlotte Hornets beat the Miami Heat 91-82.
The Dallas Mavericks enjoyed a 101-89 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
TRAIL BLAZERS SEARCH FOR FORM
Losers in 10 of their last 12 games, the Portland Trail Blazers need to get back on track in a hurry. The promising backcourt duo of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum have been dynamic, but the bench has not been able to provide much support. Kawhi Leonard and the San Antonio Spurs will provide a tough test.
