James leads lopsided victory over Celtics

CLEVELAND 121 BOSTON 99

LeBron James scored 24 points to help give the Cleveland Cavaliers a 121-99 victory over the host Boston Celtics on Sunday.

James shook off a first-quarter leg injury to score 13 points in the second quarter, eight during a 13-2 run that turned a one-point deficit into a double-digit lead.

As the Cavaliers opened a 27point lead midway through the fourth quarter, the crowd began chanting “We want Paul Pierce.” But he remained in his baseline seat, awaiting the postgame ceremony that would raise his No. 34 jersey to the TD Garden rafters, the 23rd person in the history of the franchise to be honored.

Terry Rozier had 21 points for the Celtics and Kyrie Irving scored 18 against his former team before sitting out the fourth quarter as the game became a blowout.

Toronto 123, at Charlotte 103: DeMar DeRozan had 25 points, C.J. Miles had 24 and the Raptors gave coach Dwane Casey his 300th victory with the team. Kemba Walker had 23 points for the Hornets, who lost their fourth game in a row.

at Oklahoma City 110, Memphis

92: Paul George scored 33 points to help the Thunder prevail without Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony, who were out because of ankle injuries. Marc Gasol scored 18 points for the Grizzlies, who have lost six games in a row.

at Atlanta 118, Detroit 115: Dewayne Dedmon had 20 points and 13 rebounds in a matchup with Andre Drummond, who had 25 points and 15 rebounds for the Pistons. Dennis Schroder had 23 points, including six free throws in the final 20 seconds, for the Hawks.

at Indiana 121, New York 113: Victor Oladipo had 30 points, nine assists and eight rebounds for the Pacers, who led 68-62 at halftime and went on a 13-2 run in the third quarter to pull away. The Knicks have lost six games in a row.

at Houston 104, Dallas 97: James Harden scored 27 points for the Rockets, who have won eight games in a row and 12 of 13.

at Minnesota 111, Sacramento 106:

Karl-Anthony Towns scored 29 points and the Timberwolves overcame 17 turnovers for their 13th consecutive home victory. De’Aaron Fox had 23 points for the Kings.

Utah 115, at Portland 96: Donovan Mitchell scored 27 points, Joe Ingles had 24 and the Jazz won their 10th game in a row, their longest winning streak since 2010. Damian Lillard had 39 points for the Trail Blazers, who had won nine games in a row at home.