James sparks Cavaliers to victory over Wizards

LOS ANGELES: LeBron James posted his fourth triple-double in five games with 20 points, 12 rebounds and 15 assists as the streaking Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Washington Wizards 106-99 on Sunday.

Kevin Love scored a team-high 25 points, while Jeff Green had 15 points for the Cavaliers who have won 18 of 19, including their past five NBA games.

The Eastern Conference giants engaged in a hard-fought battle as the teams were tied at the end of the second and third quarters.

James’s three-pointer early in the fourth quarter put the Cavaliers in front for good and sparked an 8-0 run.

“The game is just very, very slow to me right now,” James said.

“I’m playing the game at a snail’s pace and I’m able to see everything and see things happen before they happen. Put the ball on time, on target.

“To have teammates that complement my passing is the ultimate dream for a guy like myself.”

Elsewhere, the resurgent Detroit Pistons equalled a franchise record with 17 three-pointers en route to 114-110 win over the shorthanded Orlando Magic.

Forward Reggie Bullock scored a career-high 20 points for the Pistons who made 50 percent of their attempts from beyond the arc and won their third consecutive game after losing seven straight.

In Toronto, DeMar DeRozan led a balanced attack with 21 points as the Toronto Raptors defeated the Sacramento Kings 108-93. The Raptors also beat the Kings last Sunday in Sacramento. AFP