Big three lead Cavs past Sun, Harden stars with triple-double as Warriors bounce back
The Cavs were led by LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love in a 120-116 win against the Suns.
James Harden sparked an MVP debate by recording a triple-double in the NBA, while the Golden State Warriors bounced back.
Harden led the Houston Rockets to an eighth straight win as they beat the Toronto Raptors 129-122 on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Warriors rebounded from their bad loss to the Memphis Grizzlies by overcoming the Sacramento Kings 117-106.
HARDEN LIFTS ROCKETS
Harden scored 40 points with 11 assists and 10 rebounds, but he also turned the ball over 10 times, showcasing the masterful and frustrating sides to his game.
Harden became the first player to post a 40-point triple-double with 10 or more turnovers in a game since turnovers became official in 1977-78.
Off the bench, Montrezl Harrell scored 28 points on 12-of-13 shooting.
DeMar DeRozan led the Raptors with 36 points, six rebounds and five assists. He needed more support from Kyle Lowry, who managed just 12 points in 40 minutes.
WARRIORS RESPOND
The Warriors returned to winning ways.
Stephen Curry (30 points) and Kevin Durant (28) led the way, while Klay Thompson chipped in with 18.
DeMarcus Cousins had a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Kings.
BIG THREE LEAD CAVS AGAIN
The Cavs were led by LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love in a 120-116 win against the Suns.
James (28 points), Irving (27) and Love (25) – the latter also finishing with 10 rebounds – ensured the Cavs made it back-to-back wins.
KING JAMES’ SHOW
Subtle. Smooth. King James. #NBAVine #DefendTheLand https://t.co/MnNPccAXeo
— NBA (@NBA) January 9, 2017
LeBron gets career field goal no. 10,000!#DefendTheLand pic.twitter.com/0VYql9ZLrh
— NBA (@NBA) January 9, 2017
CLIPPERS STRETCH RUN
The Los Angeles Clippers recorded their fourth straight win by overcoming the Miami Heat 98-86.
The Philadelphia 76ers beat the Brooklyn Nets 105-95, the Washington Wizards had a 107-101 win against the Milwaukee Bucks and the Memphis Grizzlies downed the Utah Jazz 88-79.
The Detroit Pistons edged the Portland Trail Blazers 125-124 after overtime and the Los Angeles Lakers easily beat the Orlando Magic 112-95.
BULLS TAKE ON THUNDER
Chicago Bulls star Jimmy Butler has been unstoppable lately, racking up points and joining the MVP conversation. Chicago (19-18) still have their issues ahead of facing the Oklahoma City Thunder (22-16) on Monday, but Butler’s performances are making them relevant.
