James, Cavs keep win streak going
CLEVELAND — LeBron James scored 34 points, including seven in the final 1:22, and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Memphis Grizzlies 116-111 on Saturday night for their 11th straight victory.
Memphis has lost 11 in a row, including three since David Fizdale was fired Monday and replaced by interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
The Grizzlies trailed 91-72 late in the third quarter, but rallied all the way to a tie at 109 on Dillon Brooks’ 3-pointer with 2:10 remaining. James’ basket in the lane gave Cleveland the lead.
After Tyreke Evans missed a 3-pointer, James drove the lane, scored and converted the threepoint play after being fouled by Brooks with 34 seconds left.
Brooks made two free throws, but James dribbled for several seconds on Cleveland’s next possession and hit a jumper from the top of the key for a five-point lead with 5 seconds to go.
Evans had 31 points and 12 assists for Memphis. Marc Gasol scored 27 and passed 10,000 career points despite being listed as questionable after injuring his left foot in Friday’s loss to San Antonio.
Cleveland has scored at least 100 points in each game during its streak and is closing in on its longest winning streak since it ripped off 12 straight in 2015.
James, the reigning NBA Player of the Month, also had 12 assists.
Kevin Love added 20 points and 11 rebounds for Cleveland. He went to the floor after banging knees with JaMychal Green in the third, but remained in the game. Cavs, Rose talking
Cleveland coach Tyronn Lue said the team’s communication with point guard Derrick Rose has been positive. Rose is away from the team because of a personal matter. He also has been sidelined by a sprained left ankle. The team is expected to provide another update Sunday.
CELTICS 116, SUNS 111: Kyrie Irving had a key 3-pointer and a driving basket in the closing two minutes, helping Boston beat Phoenix at home. Irving finished with 19 points. Devin Booker scored a season-high 38 points for Phoenix
76ERS 108, PISTONS 103: Joel Embiid had 25 points and 10 rebounds to help Philadelphia to a home victory over Detroit. Andre Drummond had 14 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and five steals for Detroit.
MAVERICKS 108, CLIPPERS 82: J.J. Barea had 21 points and 10 assists, and Dallas beat Los Angeles at home for coach Rick Carlisle’s 700th career win. Carlisle became the 18th coach in NBA history with at least 700 wins.