Cavs, Spurs lose as Harden posts back-to-back triple-doubles to boost his MVP credentials
Reigning NBA champions the Cleveland Cavaliers suffered a surprise loss to the Utah Jazz, while the San Antonio Spurs were stunned by the Milwaukee Bucks.
Gordon Hayward starred as the Jazz claimed a 100-92 win over the Cavaliers in Utah on Tuesday.
The Bucks edged the Spurs 109-107 thanks to Michael Beasley and his season-high 28 points.
James Harden had a second consecutive 40-point triple-double as the Houston Rockets topped the Charlotte Hornets 121-114.
The Golden State Warriors, meanwhile, accounted for the Miami Heat 107-95.
HAYWARD TRUMPS LEBRON, CAVS
The Jazz star led the way with 22 points to hold off the rallying Cavs.
LeBron James helped Cleveland overturn a 15-point half-time deficit but thanks to Hayward, Utah’s advantage was soon back to 14.
James finished with 29 points, while Kyrie Irving contributed 22.
BEASLEY INSPIRES RALLY
In the absence of an ill Giannis Antetokounmpo, Beasley came up big for the Bucks.
Beasley scored 22 points in the second half as the Bucks outscored the Spurs 26-18 in the final period to triumph.
Kawhi Leonard’s 30 points were not enough for the Spurs.
HARDEN JOINS ELITE COMPANY
The in-form Rockets star now has something in common with Russell Westbrook, Michael Jordan, and Pete Maravich.
Harden recorded 40 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists for a second consecutive 40-point triple-double.
His 11th triple-double of the campaign comes after he had 40 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds in a win over the Raptors on Sunday. Harden joined Westbrook, Jordan, and Maravich as the only players with back-to-back 40-point triple-doubles in a season.
CURRY FROM DOWNTOWN
Curry’s range is unlimited. @NBATV#NBARapidReplay pic.twitter.com/2cU1qQnh6T
— NBA (@NBA) January 11, 2017
Beard gonna Beard.
Harden’s 40 points, 15 boards, 10 dimes gives the @HoustonRockets the W. They beat the @hornets, 121-114. pic.twitter.com/mSzU4KPiWj
— NBA (@NBA) January 11, 2017
RAPTORS, WIZARDS WIN
DeMar DeRozan had a season-high 41 points as the Raptors rallied to beat the Boston Celtics 114-106, while John Wall’s game-winning jumper lifted the Wizards past the Bulls 101-99.
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Brooklyn Nets 117-97, the Detroit Pistons lost 100-94 to the Sacramento Kings and the Portland Trail Blazers topped the Los Angeles Lakers 108-87.
CAVS WITH CHANCE TO BOUNCE BACK
After losing to the Jazz, the Cavs face the Trail Blazers on Wednesday. The Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Memphis Grizzlies, the Rockets meet the Minnesota Timberwolves, while the Los Angeles Clippers host the Orlando Magic.
