LeBron, Cavs Snap Wizards' Home Streak in OT
As LeBron James continues to shake off Carmelo Anthony-Kevin Love trade rumors, he proceeded to make possibly the shot of the season Monday night. A fadeaway three with less than a second left in regulation was a part of a 32-point effort for James before he fouled out. Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love did the rest in the Cavaliers' wild 140-135 overtime win over the Washington Wizards. Irving had 11 of his 23 points in overtime, while Love silenced the rumors himself with 39 points and 12 rebounds, as the Cavs snapped Washington's 17-game home win streak. Irving hit the tie-breaking three late in OT, spoiling Bradley Beal's 41-point performance for the Wizards. Beal missed a potential game-tying three with five seconds left in the extra period, sealing the Cavs' victory.
Clippers Fall to Raptors Despite Griffin's Triple-Double
The Los Angeles Clippers are desperate to find consistent production without Chris Paul, and got that Monday night, but in a losing effort. Blake Griffin's triple-double of 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists was not enough in the Clippers' 118-109 loss to the Toronto Raptors. DeMar DeRozan returned from an ankle injury and scored 31 points to help Toronto overcome Griffin's big night. DeRozan had missed seven of the past eight games with the injury, as he also got help from Kyle Lowry, who had 24 points of his own. Jonas Valanciunas chipped in 21 points and 12 rebounds for his 20th double-double of the year. Griffin was in his sixth game since undergoing knee surgery, and recorded his fifth career triple-double, and first of the year. Los Angeles is now just 14-13 on the year away from the Staples Center, while the Raptors improved to 18-9 on their home floor.
Virginia Pulls Away For Win Over Louisville
The 12th-ranked Virginia Cavaliers used a dominant second half, which included a 22-5 run right out of halftime, to upset No. 4 Louisville, 71-55, on Monday to kick off Rivalry Week. London Perrantes had 18 points to lead Virginia, who moved ahead of the Cardinals in the ACC at 8-3. The Cavaliers trailed 34-32 at the break, but outscored Louisville 39-21 in the second half to turn it into a rout. Isaiah Wilkins added 13 points, 11 rebounds, and five blocks in the win. Freshman V.J. King had a career-high 24 points for the Cardinals, who fell to 7-4 in conference play. Virginia secured their fourth straight win over Louisville, pulling into a tie with Florida State for second in the league.
As LeBron James continues to shake off Carmelo Anthony-Kevin Love trade rumors, he proceeded to make possibly the shot of the season Monday night. A fadeaway three with less than a second left in regulation was a part of a 32-point effort for James before he fouled out. Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love did the rest in the Cavaliers' wild 140-135 overtime win over the Washington Wizards. Irving had 11 of his 23 points in overtime, while Love silenced the rumors himself with 39 points and 12 rebounds, as the Cavs snapped Washington's 17-game home win streak. Irving hit the tie-breaking three late in OT, spoiling Bradley Beal's 41-point performance for the Wizards. Beal missed a potential game-tying three with five seconds left in the extra period, sealing the Cavs' victory.
Clippers Fall to Raptors Despite Griffin's Triple-Double
The Los Angeles Clippers are desperate to find consistent production without Chris Paul, and got that Monday night, but in a losing effort. Blake Griffin's triple-double of 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists was not enough in the Clippers' 118-109 loss to the Toronto Raptors. DeMar DeRozan returned from an ankle injury and scored 31 points to help Toronto overcome Griffin's big night. DeRozan had missed seven of the past eight games with the injury, as he also got help from Kyle Lowry, who had 24 points of his own. Jonas Valanciunas chipped in 21 points and 12 rebounds for his 20th double-double of the year. Griffin was in his sixth game since undergoing knee surgery, and recorded his fifth career triple-double, and first of the year. Los Angeles is now just 14-13 on the year away from the Staples Center, while the Raptors improved to 18-9 on their home floor.
Virginia Pulls Away For Win Over Louisville
The 12th-ranked Virginia Cavaliers used a dominant second half, which included a 22-5 run right out of halftime, to upset No. 4 Louisville, 71-55, on Monday to kick off Rivalry Week. London Perrantes had 18 points to lead Virginia, who moved ahead of the Cardinals in the ACC at 8-3. The Cavaliers trailed 34-32 at the break, but outscored Louisville 39-21 in the second half to turn it into a rout. Isaiah Wilkins added 13 points, 11 rebounds, and five blocks in the win. Freshman V.J. King had a career-high 24 points for the Cardinals, who fell to 7-4 in conference play. Virginia secured their fourth straight win over Louisville, pulling into a tie with Florida State for second in the league.