JAMES POWERS LA IN HOMECOMING
Cleveland gives LeBron James a hero’s welcome, then watches the King power Lakers over Cavaliers
LeBron James felt only love at home. Making his first trip back to Cleveland since leaving for the second time as a free agent, James was welcomed like a hero Wednesday night and rallied the Los Angeles Lakers to a 109-105 victory over the Cavaliers, who played an inspired game against their former teammate but couldn’t stop him when it mattered most.
James finished with 32 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists. He also scored or assisted on 11 straight points to help the Lakers overcome a 99-91 deficit in the fourth quarter.
The Cavs had a chance to tie late, but Kyle Korver missed a wide-open 3-pointer with 17 seconds left, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope made four free throws in the final 15 to seal it.
The NBA-worst Cavs didn’t roll over against James and played one of their best games this season. They seemed in control up 99-91 before James, as he did some many times for Cleveland. Jordan Clarkson had 20 points for Cleveland. ROCKETS 126, PISTONS 124
In Houston, James Harden scored a season-high 43 points, Clint Capela added 27 and Houston held off Detroit for its fifth straight victory.
Houston has won eight of its last 10 after winning just one of
I’m a different person. We’re all different from eight years ago, both good and bad... So it’s all about growth and we all have grown from that moment eight years ago.
its first six.
Blake Griffin led the Pistons with 37 points and 11 rebounds Andre Drummond added 20 points with 11 rebounds for the Pistons. 76ERS 121, PELICANS 120
In Philadelphia, Joel Embiid had 31 points and 19 rebounds and Philadelphia beat New Orleans after Anthony Davis missed the third of three free throws with 2.5 seconds left.
The 76ers are 10-0 at home. They looked in control, up nine points with just under 2 1/2 minutes to play, before a late surge by the Pelicans.
Embiid fouled Davis on a 3-point attempt, and Davis made the first two free throws before the third one went in and out. /
LEBRON JAMES