IRVING-LED CAVS ROUT RAPTORS

cleveland» Kyrie Irving scored a season-high 25 points and J.R. Smith made eight 3pointers as the Cavaliers routed the Raptors 122-100 on Monday.

Irving, playing his sixth game since returning from a broken left kneecap, was 10-of-16 from the field. The three-time all-star, who was injured in Game 1 of the NBA Finals last season, also had eight assists and six rebounds.

LeBron James didn’t play in the fourth quarter but had 20 points and seven assists in 31 minutes as all five Cleveland starters scored in double figures.

MONDAY’S HIGHLIGHTS

The 76ers improved to 4-33 with a 109-99 victory over the Timberwolves. Ish Smith led the 76ers, who are 3-3 in their past six games, with 21 points and 11 assists. Smith has averaged 13.4 points and 7.6 assists since the 76ers acquired him Dec. 24 in a trade with New Orleans. ... Jae Crowder’s career-high 25 points, including 14 in the first quarter, helped the Celtics beat the Nets 103-94. ... The Pistons received 14 points (10 in the third quarter) and seven assists from Palmer High School graduate Reggie Jackson and pounded the Magic 115-89. Andre Drummond contributed 17 points and 12 rebounds. ... Chris Bosh’s 31 points and 11 rebounds helped the Heat defeat the Pacers 103-100 in overtime. ... The Spurs improved to 30-6 with a 123-98 rout of the Bucks. Kawhi Leonard led the Spurs with 24 points, including 10 in the third quarter. San Antonio’s bench outscored Milwaukee’s bench 56-23. Tim Duncan finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds, one game after going scoreless for the first time in his 19-year career with the Spurs. ... DeMarcus Cousins’ 33 points and season-high 19 rebounds led the Kings to a 116-104 victory over the Thunder, which played without Kevin Durant (sprained toe). ... James Harden committed eight turnovers, but his 30 points and seven assists helped the Rockets defeat the Jazz 93-91.

FOOTNOTES

MRI says Rose is OK. The Bulls said an MRI of Derrick Rose’s right leg showed no structural damage. He has missed the past three games because of a hamstring problem. He had the MRI to rule out any issues with his right knee, which has been operated on twice. ... The 76ers signed Elton Brand, 36, a former rookie of the year who was the No. 1 pick of the 1999 draft. ... The NBA fined the Pacers’ Paul George ($10,000) and the Pistons’ Marcus Morris ($15,000) for shoving each other Saturday. Teammates had to pull them apart at midcourt. The Associated Press