CLEVELAND, Ohio (AP) – LeBron James scored 18 points against his former Miami teammates and Cleveland had six others score in double figures as the Cavaliers beat the Heat 113-93 last night for their 14th win in 15 games.
Timofey Mozgov scored 20 and Tristan Thomson 17 in Cleveland’s final home game before the All-Star break. The Cavs will play at Chicago on Thursday before the season’s extended respite.
With the win, the Cavs avenged a Christmas Day loss in Miami — James’ first game against the team he led to two titles and four straight Finals. Cleveland is a very different team these days, improved by two major trades and James again playing at his unrivaled levels.
Hassan Whiteside had 17 points and 14 rebounds for the Heat, who were again without All-Star Dwyane Wade.
Cavaliers forward Kevin Love sat out most of the second half after being poked in the right eye.