Milestone for James in Cavs win, Thunder trump Jazz
LeBron James made history as the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Orlando Magic 117-103, becoming only the second player to rank in the top 25 for career points and assists.
James and Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson are the only players in NBA history to feature in the top 25 of both categories after the four-time MVP posted 15 points and 13 assists in Cleveland’s win on Monday.
The 30-year-old – 19th in the points category – joined the exclusive company and surpassed Norm Nixon (6,386) into 25th position after assisting Cavs team-mate Kevin Love for a three-pointer in the second quarter.
“He’s a guy who laid the foundation,” James said of Robertson, who finished his career with 26,710 points and 9,887 assists. “And I’m just trying to carry it on.
“I give all the credit to the two great franchises I’ve been a part of and the players and the team-mates and the coaching staffs that I’ve played for so far that have allowed me to go out and do the things I’ve done in my career.
“So none of that would be possible without them.”
Love had a season-high 34 points for the Cavs, while J.R. Smith added 26 of his own.
The Magic were led by Andrew Nicholson’s 18 points.
Kevin Durant returned from injury to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a comprehensive 111-89 win over the Utah Jazz.
Back on the court following a hamstring injury, Durant scored 27 points and tallied six rebounds.
Thunder team-mate Russell Westbrook fell short of a triple-double with 20 points, seven rebounds and nine assists.
Gordon Hayward had 19 points for the Jazz.
Kemba Walker starred with 39 points, 21 of those coming in the fourth quarter, as the Charlotte Hornets prevailed 127-122 against the Sacramento Kings in overtime.
DeMarcus Cousins (30 points, 11 rebounds), Rudy Gay (28 points, 10 rebounds) and Rajon Rondo (14 points, 20 assists) all tallied double-doubles for the beaten Kings.
The lowly Philadelphia 76ers remain winless after losing 100-95 to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Kawhi Leonard’s 24 points and 13 rebounds inspired the San Antonio Spurs to a 98-84 win over the Phoenix Suns.
The Milwaukee Bucks surprised the Detroit Pistons 109-88, while the Miami Heat were too good for the New York Knicks 95-78.
