LeBron, Cavs fend off Nets
CLEVELAND — LeBron James had quite a February.
He finished the month averaging a triple-double for the first time in his career after notching 31 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists on Tuesday night in the Cavaliers’ 129-123 victory over the Nets. James has 12 triple-doubles this season and 67 in his career.
“Scoring has always been last for me,” James said. “I’ve never looked at myself as a scorer. But to know the history of the game and seeing the guys that put up triple-doubles on a regular (basis) from Jason Kidd to Magic Johnson to Oscar Robertson to Russell Westbrook, you can throw my name in there as well.”
His 11th assist on Tuesday came late in the game and gave him 8,000 in his career. He’s the first player in NBA history with 30,000 points, 8,000 rebounds and 8,000 assists.
Rodney Hood’s three-point play with 40 seconds remaining gave Cleveland a 123-121 lead. James and George Hill hit two free throws each in the final 16 seconds to seal the victory.
Jarrett Allen’s two free throws gave Brooklyn a 119-117 lead with 1:18 to play. Jordan Clarkson’s 3-pointer put Cleveland ahead, but Allen Crabbe’s runner in the lane put the Nets up 121-120.
Hood, one of four players acquired at the trade deadline, hit a jumper from the wing and made the foul shot that gave Cleveland a two-point lead.
“The play kind of broke down,” Hood said. “He (Jarrett Allen) cut me off. I stepped back. It’s a shot I work on all the time.”
Nets forward Rondae HollisJefferson, who scored 14 points, wasn’t surprised about James’ performance.
“He’s a superstar player and is super aggressive, and he just took over,” he said. “It came down to a lot of tough shots being made, and LeBron getting them.”
The victory could help Cleveland’s position in the NBA draft. The Cavaliers own the Nets’ No. 1 pick, acquired in a trade with Boston. The Nets have the seventhworst record in the league, but have lost nine of 10.
Hill, also acquired at the trade deadline, scored a season-high 26 points and Cleveland placed six in double figures.
D’Angelo Russell led Brooklyn with 25 points. Caris LeVert scored 18 while DeMarre Carroll had 16. Brooklyn broke an eightgame losing streak Monday by beating Chicago.