CAVS CRUSH KINGS
LeBron plays key role as Cleveland beat struggling Sacramento
Los Angeles, Feb. 9: Cleveland superstar LeBron James posted his 40th career triple- double — and his first this season — to lead the Cavaliers to a 120- 100 NBA win over the reeling Sacramento Kings on Monday.
James had 21 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists and teammate Kyrie Irving added 32 points and 12 assists to pile on the misery for the Kings, who have lost four straight and eight of their last nine.
Sacramento coach George Karl reportedly could be fired before next weekend’s All- Star break.
Cleveland were in control throughout, stretching a 16- point halftime lead to as many as 24 in the third quarter.
James capped his tripledouble with his 10th rebound in the final minute of the third period.
He said he didn’t realize until the end of the quarter that he had achieved the triple- double.
“I just go out and continue to play the game,” James said. “If it happens, it happens. If it don’t, it doesn’t.
“The only concern is how we can close out quarters and win the ball game,” James added.
It was another encouraging performance from Irving, still returning to full strength after missing the first two months of the season as he continued to recover from the knee injury he suffered in the first game of last season’s NBA Finals.
In other matches, the Clippers rallied for a 98- 92 overtime triumph over the lowly 76ers in Philadelphia while Portland Trail Blazers beat Memphis Grizzlies 112- 106.