HOUSTON – Cleveland wrapped up its longest road trip of the season with a 91-77 victory at Houston on Friday, stretching its lead in the NBA’s Central Division to 5-1/2 games.
The Cavaliers capped six straight away games with a convincing win which boosted their lead over Chicago, which was beaten at home by Dallas.
Indiana, placed third in the Central, failed to make ground on Chicago as the Pacers lost on home court against Washington, while Northwest leader Oklahoma City comfortably beat a sliding Minnesota thanks to a Russell Westbrook triple-double.
Cleveland’s Kyrie Irving scored 23 points and LeBron James added 19 for the Cavaliers, who led by double digits at halftime and were 20 points up in the third quarter before easing up, perhaps with their mind on Monday’s big game against Golden State.
Dwight Howard had 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Rockets while James Harden was held to just 11 points on 2-for-10 shooting; he missed all five of his 3-point attempts.
Dallas’ Dirk Nowitzki hit a vital late 3-pointer and scored 21 points to lead the Mavericks past Chicago 83-77.
Nowitzki’s 3-pointer with 2:15 to play put the Mavericks up 79-72, and Chicago’s Jimmy Butler missed two 3-pointers in the final 12 seconds as the Bulls tried to rally.
Deron Williams added 18 points for the Mavericks.
Derrick Rose, back in the lineup after missing a game with knee pain, led Chicago with 18 points.
Oklahoma City’s Westbrook had his 23rd career triple-double, leading the Thunder to a 113-93 victory over Minnesota.
Westbrook finished with 12 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for his fourth triple-double of the season despite sitting out the fourth quarter with his team in control. He bounced back after being ejected Wednesday against Dallas following skirmishes.
Kevin Durant had 21 points for the Thunder, while Andrew Wiggins scored 25 points for the Timberwolves, who have lost nine straight.
Washington notched a fourth straight victory with a 118-104 win at Indiana.
John Wall had 28 points while Bradley Beal added 22 points for the Wizards, who outscored the Pacers 20-4 in the first 7 minutes of the second quarter and 35-19 overall in the period to take control.
Paul George had 21 points to lead the Pacers.
Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo had 28 points and 16 rebounds to lead the Bucks to a 108-101 overtime win against Atlanta.
Khris Middleton scored 26 points for the Bucks while Michael Carter-Williams blocked Jeff Teague’s shot at the horn, sending the game into overtime.