NBA Round Up: LeBron’s Cavs kick-start new era with a statement win over Celtics, Rockets win eighth straight
The new-look Cleveland Cavaliers dismantled Eastern Conference rivals the Boston Celtics 121-99 in the NBA on Sunday.
George Hill, Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr and Rodney Hood all made their debuts as the Cavaliers kick-started a new era.
Hill posted 12 points, Clarkson added 17 points and Hood scored 15 points following Thursday’s hectic trade deadline, which saw the likes of Isaiah Thomas and Dwyane Wade leave Cleveland.
LeBron James led the Cavs with 24 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds, but seven Cavs recorded at least 10 points.
The @cavs newcomers combine for 49 PTS to help CLE top the @celtics in Boston! #AllForOne pic.twitter.com/x2nd9Q5moT
— NBA (@NBA) February 12, 2018
Still without Kevin Love, the Cavs looked dangerous offensively from all levels. Despite playing small most of the game, Cleveland managed to outrebounded Boston 43-41.
Terry Rozier led the Celtics off the bench with 21 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Former Cavs star Kyrie Irving added 18 points and five assists, and he shared a nice hug with James after the game.
James Harden had 27 points as the Houston Rockets extended their winning streak to eight games with a 104-97 victory against the Dallas Mavericks.
GEORGE SPARKS THUNDER
Oklahoma City Thunder star Paul George scored a game-high 33 points with eight assists and three steals in a 110-92 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
Chris Paul and Harden both flirted with triple-doubles against the Mavericks. Paul finished with 25 points, nine assists and eight rebounds, while Harden scored 27 points with six rebounds and five assists.
SMITH STRUGGLES AS PISTONS SLUMP CONTINUES
Detroit Pistons point guard Ish Smith scored just two points with seven assists and five turnovers in 29 minutes of action in a 118-115 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. The streaky Pistons have now lost two straight games after winning five in a row.
THROUGH THE LEGS!
Harden loves his show-stopping moments and he was at it again on Sunday. The Rockets star played the ball through his own legs as he teed up team-mate Clint Capela.
#JamesHarden went through his own legs to set up Clint Capela for tonight’s #AssistOfTheNight! #Rockets pic.twitter.com/PBUDOHvM3u
— NBA (@NBA) February 12, 2018
SUNDAY’S RESULTS
Toronto Raptors 123-103 Charlotte Hornets
Cleveland Cavaliers 121-99 Boston Celtics
Atlanta Hawks 118-115 Detroit Pistons
Indiana Pacers 121-113 New York Knicks
Minnesota Timberwolves 111-106 Sacramento Kings
Houston Rockets 104-97 Dallas Mavericks
Oklahoma City Thunder 110-92 Memphis Grizzlies
Utah Jazz 115-96 Portland Trail Blazers
SPURS AT JAZZ
Utah have rattled off eight successive wins thanks to point guard Ricky Rubio’s impressive run of form. Rubio has been scoring at an elite rate during the winning streak, while still dishing out assists and grabbing rebounds. The San Antonio Spurs continue to win despite racking up an alarming amount of injuries.
