CLEVELAND: LeBron James had 31 points and 12 assists and J.R. Smith matched his season high with 27 points in the Cavaliers’ 112-103 victory Sunday against the Charlotte Hornets.
The Hornets pulled within 96-92 after the Cavs led by 21 in the first half, but Smith and Kevin Love each made key 3-pointers late in the game and the Cavs held on to strengthen their hold on the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
Love scored 25 points and grabbed nine rebounds while Smith made six 3-pointers on a day the Cavs were without Kyrie Irving to a sprained left ankle.