Associated Press
The NBA roundup …
CLEVELAND ó As he left the arena, Cavaliers coach Byron Scott smiled and accepted fist bumps and congratulations from security guards lining the hallway.
ěCoach,î one of them said, ěweíre going to talk about this one all summer.î
And probably for many more.
Cleveland got the win it wanted most.
Take that, LeBron.
Despite blowing a 23-point lead, the Cavs battled back to beat the Miami Heat 102-90 on Tuesday night, getting a small dose of satisfaction against James, the franchiseís biggest star who was making his second homecoming visit to Cleveland since bolting last summer.
J.J. Hickson scored 21, Anthony Parker scored 20 and unsung center Ryan Hollins threw around his weight for the Cavs, who were embarrassed by the Heat 118-90 on Dec. 2 ó a night when Cleveland fans unleashed pent-up hatred on James, the native son who scorned them.
This time, it was James who left the floor beaten. He finished with 27 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds and had to endure another night of constant booing from fans who once cherished his every move but now view him as a bitter enemy for betraying them.
James took the loss in stride, giving the Cavs credit they deserved.
ěAnytime we play anybody, we know weíre going to get the best out of them,î James said. ěThey came out and played extremely well. It was a good win for them.î
It was more than that for Cleveland.
Jamesí departure was a crippling blow to a city that hasnít celebrated a championship since 1964, and a region desperate for something positive to happen.
For at least one night, Cleveland rocked again.
Rockets 112, Nets 87
NEWARK, N.J. ó Kyle Lowry had 16 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds and the Houston Rockets moved within two games of the final playoff berth in the Western Conference with a victory over the New Jersey Nets.
Thunder 115, Warriors 114, OT
OKLAHOMA CITY ó Kevin Durant scored 39 points, Russell Westbrook hit the winning free throw with 11.4 seconds left in overtime and the Oklahoma City Thunder finished their longest homestand of the season with a victory against the Golden State Warriors.
Stephen Curry led Golden State with 35 points.