James ties Jordan’s double-figures streak; Cavs top Hornets

CHARLOTTE, N.C. » LeBron James matched Michael Jordan’s streak of 866 consecutive double-digit scoring games with 41 points, and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Charlotte Hornets 118-105 on Wednesday night.

James finished 14 of 26 from the field and had 10 rebounds and eight assists for the Cavaliers, who remained ahead of the 76ers for the third-best record in the Eastern Conference.

James matched Jordan’s 17-year-old mark against the team Jordan owns in the second quarter when he scored his 10th point on a powerful alley-oop dunk off a pass from J.R. Smith.

The 33-year-old James, who began his streak on Jan. 6, 2007, can break Jordan’s record Friday night at home against the New Orleans Pelicans. He wasn’t the only one making history. Kemba Walker scored 21 points to pass Dell Curry as the Hornets’ career scoring leader. Walker received a big hug from James after breaking the mark with 20 seconds left on a reverse layup. Walker broke down in tears a few moments later as he was being interviewed on the court.

“I wasn’t supposed to be here . ... Anything is possible. If I can do it, anybody can,” the 6-foot Walker said to the crowd. NETS 111, MAGIC 104 » D’Angelo Russell and Caris LeVert each scored 16 points to lead Brooklyn to a victory over Orlando.

Jarrett Allen added 15 points and DeMarre Carroll had 14 points and 12 rebounds for the Nets, who stopped a three-game losing streak. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson of Chester and Joe Harris also scored 14 and Allen Crabbe had 13.

Nikola Vucevic led Orlando with 24 points and 15 rebounds, and Mario Hezonja added 23 points for the Magic, who have lost nine of their last 11.

Lakers’ Thomas to have hip surgery, ending season

EL SEGUNDO » Los Angeles Lakers guard Isaiah Thomas will have arthroscopic surgery on his right hip, ending his season.

The Lakers announced the decision Wednesday. Los Angeles (32-41) already is eliminated from playoff contention for the franchise-record fifth consecutive season.