LeBron James scored 26 points and J.R. Smith added 20 as the Cleveland Cavaliers entered a favorable portion of their schedule with a 108-94 win over the Chicago Bulls on Monday night.
Back home after winning two games in Los Angeles to salvage a trip out West, the Cavs had little trouble with the Central Division-leading Bulls. Cleveland opened a 25-point lead in the third quarter and handed Chicago its fourth loss in five games.
Smith made six 3-pointers, Kyrie Irving scored 18 with 12 assists and Kevin Love added 16 points and 12 rebounds for the Cavs, who have won three straight to temporarily quiet talk that they're underachieving and first-year coach David Blatt is in trouble. Cleveland can improve its record with three more home games this week and nine of its next 12 in Quicken Loans Arena.
NBA
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Washington Wizards 111, Philadelphia 76ers 76
Charlotte Hornets 105, Minnesota Timberwolves 80
Atlanta Hawks 93, Detroit Pistons 82
Los Angeles Clippers 102, Boston Celtics 93
Golden State Warriors 122, Denver Nuggets 79
Dallas Mavericks 103, Memphis Grizzlies 95
Houston Rockets 110, Indiana Pacers 98
New York Knicks 99, New Orleans Pelicans 92
Toronto Raptors 92, Milwaukee Bucks 89
Phoenix Suns 115, Los Angeles Lakers 100
Portland Trail Blazers 98, Sacramento Kings 94
