IRVING CARRIES CAVALIERS
Playing sans Love, Smith, Cleveland banks on Irving, James to beat Milwaukee Bucks
CLEVELAND—Kyrie Irving had 31 points and a career-high 13 assists, and LeBron James scored 29 as the Cleveland Cavaliers won their second game in two nights over the Milwaukee Bucks, 113-102 on Wednesday despite being without two starters.
The NBA champs were not at full strength as Kevin Love didn't dress for the second straight game with a bruised left knee, and J.R. Smith sat out after breaking his right thumb Tuesday at Milwaukee.
Smith needs surgery, and the Cavs won't have a timetable on his return until after the operation.
They were barely missed as Cleveland won for the eighth time in nine games. The only loss in that stretch was last week at Memphis when James, Irving and Love stayed home to rest.
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 28 points and Jabari Parker 27 for the Bucks, who took the Cavs to overtime at home but fell behind by 21 in the fourth quarter this time and couldn't come back.
Grizzlies 98, Pistons 86
In Michigan, Marc Gasol matched a career high with 38 points on 14-of-17 shooting, and Memphis beat Detroit in a matchup of slumping teams.
The Grizzlies ended their three-game losing streak, while Detroit dropped its fourth straight.
Memphis was boosted by the return of Chandler Parsons, who missed the previous 17 games with a bone bruise on his left knee. He had two points and two rebounds in 15 minutes.
Jon Leuer and Reggie Jackson led the Pistons with 18 points apiece. Andre Drummond had 13 points and 19 rebounds.
Timberwolves 92, Hawks 84
In Atlanta, Andrew Wiggins scored 19 points and Karl-Anthony Towns had 17 points and 18 rebounds in Minnesota's victory over Atlanta.
Zach LaVine added 18 points for the Timberwolves, who earned consecutive wins for the first time since April 5-9 last season.
Dennis Schroder finished 21 points and Paul Millsap had 18 points and 10 rebounds for Atlanta, which has dropped six of seven at home. The Hawks have lost during that span to four teams with losing records: New Orleans, Detroit, Orlando and Minnesota.
Thunder 121, Pelicans 110
In New Orleans, Russell Westbrook had 42 points and 10 rebounds to lead Oklahoma City over New Orleans.
Alex Abrines scored nine of his 18 points during a pivotal 11-0 run early in the fourth quarter. The surge gave the Thunder a 100-87 lead with 9:18 left, and the Pelicans never got within eight after that. (AP)