The Cleveland Cavaliers are off to their best NBA start in 39 years after coming from behind on Friday night to beat the New York Knicks for the second time in nine days. LeBron James and Mo Williams ignited the fourth quarter rally, combining for 21 of Cleveland's 24 fourth quarter points in a 90-84 victory at Madison Square Garden.
The Cavaliers won their eighth straight, a stretch that includes a 96-86 home win on November 4 after coming back from a 15 point deficit against the same Knicks. James also had a spectacular fourth quarter in that one as Cleveland is now 8-1 on the season for the first time since 1976-77.
The same can't be said for Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony who had a team high 26 points but only scored four in the second half. Anthony shot a meagre 31.7 percent in the fourth quarter compared to 51.2 for James.
Cleveland trailed by six points with 5:24 to go, before James and Williams seized the moment. Williams' jumper put the Cavaliers ahead 86-84 with 40 seconds left and his four free throws in the final 18 seconds sealed the victory. James finished with 31 points and Williams scored 20.
The Knicks missed their first 10 shots from the floor in the fourth quarter, but still maintained a 76-73 lead with 6:32 left to play. After a hot first half, Anthony fell into a cold spell in the second half, missing his first nine shots.
Friday was the first game of a three-game road trip for the Cavaliers. They travel to Milwaukee on Saturday and to Detroit on November 17. Forward Kristaps Porzingis finished with 11 points and seven rebounds for the Knicks. He is the first Knicks rookie since Patrick Ewing in 1985 to score at least 80 points and grab at least 60 rebounds through the first seven games of a season.
George paces Indiana
Forward Paul George continued his incredible run with 29 points and guard Monta Ellis added 24 as the Indiana Pacers won 107-103 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
George, who is red-hot form, has scored at least 26 points for the sixth consecutive game. Ian Mahinmi had 12 points and nine rebounds while Glenn Robinson scored a career-high 11 off the bench against his former team. This was Indiana sixth win in seven games after starting the season 0-3.
Mavericks spoil Bryant return
Kobe Bryant returned to the Los Angeles lineup but managed to score just five points in the second half as the Dallas Mavericks defeated the struggling Lakers 90-82.
Bryant, who has been sitting out with a bad back, finished with 19 points for the Lakers who have just one victory in their first nine games. Centre ZaZa Pachulia led the Mavs with 18 points and 15 rebounds while guard Deron Williams tallied 13 points and seven assists in the win.
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