IRVING’S 32 POINTS LEAD CAVS TO WIN OVER THE CELTICS

cleveland» Kyrie Irving scored 32 points and made two critical layups before leaving with a leg injury and Kevin Love scored 30, helping the defending champion Cavaliers hold off a late rally for a 124-118 win over the Celtics on Thursday night.

The Cavs led by 20 points in the third quarter and by 17 early in the fourth but couldn’t close out the Celtics, who pulled within one point three times during the final two minutes.

Irving, though, came up with his big baskets and the Cavs had to fend off Boston over the final 53 seconds as their star guard grabbed his right hamstring and went to the bench.

LeBron James had 23 points and 11 assists for the Cavs, who won for the 11th time in 13 games.

THURSDAY’S HIGHLIGHTS

Nicolas Batum had 16 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists, providing a spark during a big third quarter that carried the Hornets to a 91-82 victory over the Heat. … Marc Gasol scored 25 points and the Grizzlies took advantage of Russell Westbrook’s ejection, dominating the Thunder for a 114-80 victory. …Eric Bledsoe scored 22 points and Devin Booker had nine of his 19 in the fourth quarter, helping the Suns beat the Raptors 99-91. …George Hill had 21 points in his return to the lineup after missing 13 games with a sprained toe, and the Jazz blitzed the 76ers to win 100-83.

FOOTNOTES

Bucks’ arena reaches milestone. The Bucks’ new arena in Milwaukee reached a milestone in construction. Workers poured the first concrete slab on the metal deck that will make up the concourse. The arena is just north of the Bucks’ current home, the Bradley Center. The arena is expected to be ready for the start of the 2018-19 season.