Kawhi drops career high as Spurs beat Cavs in OT, Harden leads Rockets
The San Antonio Spurs upstaged reigning NBA champions the Cleveland Cavaliers, while James Harden led the Houston Rockets.
Overtime was needed as the Spurs trumped the Cavaliers 118-115 on the road on Saturday.
Kawhi Leonard led the way with a career-high 41 points against James and Co. in Cleveland.
MVP candidate Harden continued his stellar form as the Rockets downed the Memphis Grizzlies 119-95.
The Portland Trail Blazers, meanwhile, trumped the Boston Celtics 127-123 in OT.
LEONARD INSPIRES SPURS
The NBA All-Star had six rebounds and five assists to go with his 41 points.
He has now scored at least 30 points in six successive games, which is the third-longest streak in Spurs history.
Not even 29 points apiece from James and Kyrie Irving could help the Cavs.
HARDEN, DEKKER LEAD ROCKETS TO WIN
We all know Harden is a stud – he scored 29 points with 10 assists and six rebounds in the victory against the Grizzlies – but few probably think of Sam Dekker as an offensive threat.
The Wisconsin product was just that on Saturday, however, as he scored a career-high 30 points making the start for ill Ryan Anderson.
MCCOLLUM SPARKS TRAIL BLAZERS
The Trail Blazers shooting guard scored 35 points to see off the Celtics.
Isaiah Thomas led Boston with 41 points and six assists.
MORRIS GETS BUZZER-BEATER FOR PISTONS
For the win!
Marcus Morris gets the @TISSOT buzzer-beater for the @DetroitPistons! #ThisIsYourTimepic.twitter.com/FGqrGw34vf
— NBA (@NBA) January 22, 2017
BULLS, HEAT WIN
The Chicago Bulls edged the Sacramento Kings 102-99 and the Miami Heat accounted for the Milwaukee Bucks 109-97.
Elsewhere, the Philadelphia 76ers lost 110-93 to the Atlanta Hawks, the Denver Nuggets upstaged the Los Angeles Clippers 123-98, the Utah Jazz topped the Indiana Pacers 109-100, the Detroit Pistons overcame the Washington Wizards 113-112, the Charlotte Hornets prevailed 112-105 over the Brooklyn Nets, while the Phoenix Suns saw off the New York Knicks 107-105.
WARRIORSÂ ATÂ MAGIC
The Golden State Warriors are on the road against the Orlando Magic on Sunday.