CLEVELAND – Despite getting his 24th career triple-double, LeBron James was more impressed by the Cleveland Cavaliers tying the NBA record for fewest turnovers.
James had 26 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists to lead the Cavaliers to a 97-92 overtime victory against the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night.
Cleveland committed only two turnovers, setting a franchise record and matching the mark set by Milwaukee against Indiana on April 1, 2006.
“That’s good basketball. We did a good job protecting the ball,” James said. “It’s all about the team.”
Cleveland, won its seventh straight and 10th in the last 11, nearly broke the record, but Mo Williams’ pass while trying to run out the clock hit the backboard and was picked up by the Trail Blazers.
The Cavaliers are 31-1 at home and have a 4 1/2-game lead over Boston for the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
James, who had his seventh triple-double this season, scored six points in the overtime period.
His driving basket in the lane after the Cavaliers won the jumpball put Cleveland ahead for good.
Hawks 95, Mavericks 87: At Atlanta, Joe Johnson scored 24 points, and reserve Flip Murray had 19 as the Hawks got their seventh straight win.
Lakers 114, Warriors 106: At Los Angeles, Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol each scored 21 points, and the Lakers won.