James muscles Cavs past Jazz

NEW YORK — Cleveland forward LeBron James reminded the NBA of his raw power Tuesday, scoring 31 points, including 17 in the fourth quarter, as the Cavaliers muscled their way to a 118-114 victory over the Utah Jazz. The Cavaliers trailed by as many as nine in the fourth, but James stole a pass and dribbled the length of the floor for an impressive three-point play. Jazz guard Rodney Hood did his best to wrap up James and prevent the shot, but the Cavs forward powered through for the basket and foul. He looked at Hood and slapped his biceps as the sellout crowd roared. “Bron is the greatest player in the game. I don’t think there’s anyone with a higher basketball IQ or a better understanding of the moment,” Cavs coach David Blatt said. James’ three-point play pulled the Cavs within 95-94 but gave them all the momentum. It revived a slumbering team that remained unbeaten at home (5-0) with their seventh consecutive victory. However, Cleveland (7-1) had to work for it on a night when they were sloppy with the ball (17 turnovers) and off rhythm. James added eight assists and seven rebounds, while Mo Williams had 29 points, six rebounds and six assists. He made his first eight shots and did not miss until 1:37 remained. Kevin Love had 22 points and eight rebounds for the Cavaliers. Alec Burks scored 24 points off the bench for the Jazz (4-3), while forwards Gordon Hayward and Derrick Favors each scored 17 points. Rudy Gobert had 15 points, seven rebounds and five assists, and Hood fouled out with 16 points. Heat 101, Lakers 88: Kobe Bryant did not make a final game appearance at the AmericanAirlines Arena, but the Miami Heat were just fine with having the 17-time All-Star guard in street clothes. With Bryant a late scratch to give him a rest, the Heat handled the Los Angeles Lakers 101-88. Chris Bosh led the Heat with 30 points on nine-of-16 shooting from the field and 10-of-12 from the free-throw line. Thunder 125, Wizards 101: Kevin Durant did not play the second half after suffering a hamstring injury, but Russell Westbrook picked up the slack with a triple-double as the Oklahoma City Thunder trounced the Washington Wizards 125-101. Westbrook finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists for the Thunder (5-3), who led 68-50 at halftime and by as many as 29 points in the second half. Knicks 111, Raptors 109: Carmelo Anthony scored 25 points and the New York Knicks held on in the fourth quarter to defeat the Toronto Raptors 111-109. It was the second win in a row for the Knicks (4-4) and the third straight loss for the Raptors (5-3). Celtics 99, Bucks 83: A 16-0 third-quarter run propelled the Boston Celtics to an easy 99-83 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Hornets 104, Timberwolves 95: Charlotte guards Jeremy Lin and Jeremy Lamb helped key the Hornets’ 104-95 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center. Pelicans 120, Mavericks 105: Ryan Anderson scored 25 points as the New Orleans Pelicans snapped a season-opening, six-game losing streak with a 120-105 victory over the Dallas Mavericks at Smoothie King Arena.