LeBron lifts Lakers to 7th straight win
ATLANTA — Not looking the least bit tired after a whirlwind weekend, LeBron James scored 32 points as the Los Angeles Lakers extended their winning streak to seven with a 101-96 victory over the pesky Atlanta Hawks on Sunday night.
The Lakers pulled even with Milwaukee for the NBA’s best record at 24-3.
The Hawks kept it close all the way. Rookie Cam Reddish got a look at a tying 3-pointer from the corner, but the shot clanked off the rim. Danny Green went to the other end and knocked down a pair of free throws to send the Hawks to their fourth straight loss.
After scoring 28 points in a win at Miami on Friday night, James flew to Columbus, Ohio, to watch son Bronny play a high school game Saturday night. Then, James traveled on to Atlanta to face the struggling Hawks.
James also had 13 rebounds, along with seven assists, the best a no-look, between-the-legs pass that caught Dwight Howard breaking down the lane for a massive dunk.
MAGIC 130, PELICANS 119
Jonathan Isaac had 21 points and 10 rebounds as visiting Orlando handed New Orleans its franchiserecord 12th straight loss.
Orlando center Nikola Vucevic returned from a sprained ankle to score 20 points. He played 29 minutes in his first game since Nov. 20.
NETS 109, 76ERS 89
Spencer Dinwiddie scored 24 points, Joe Harris had 16 points, and Brooklyn won at home.
DeAndre Jordan had 13 points and 11 rebounds, and Garrett Temple finished with 13 points for the Nets.
PACERS 107, HORNETS 85
Reserve guard Aaron Holiday scored 12 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter during Indiana’s win against visiting Charlotte.
Holiday was a point shy of his career high set a month ago at Brooklyn. Cody Zeller, an Indiana native who typically plays well in front of family and friends, had 19 points and 12 rebounds for Charlotte.
NUGGETS 111, KNICKS 105
Nikola Jokic made a late go-ahead 3-pointer and finished with scored 25 points to help Denver hold off visiting New York.
Will Barton had 16 points, Gary Harris added 15, and Jamal Murray had 14, including a key 3-pointer in the late going. The Nuggets, who led by as many as 20 points, hung on for their 12th straight victory over the Knicks in Denver.
KINGS 100, WARRIORS 79
Bogdan Bogdanovich scored 25 points, Buddy Hield added 19, and visiting Sacramento routed Golden State.
The Kings won for the fourth time in five games and shook off a disappointing home loss Friday to the lowly New York Knicks. They shot a season-best 60% from the field.