The Cleveland Cavaliers used a 29-0 first-half run to crush the Milwaukee Bucks 101-86 for their 12th win in 14 games on Sunday.
Delonte West had 14 of his season-best 21 points during the run as the Central Division leading Cavaliers turned a 17-10 deficit into a 39-17 advantage.
“We know how tough we are to beat when Delonte’s at a high level,” Cleveland’s LeBron James told reporters after sparking the win with 14 points and 10 assists. “It was good to see him play well.”
West was on fire in the second quarter, scoring the period’s first 14 points as the Cavaliers’ lead went from 21-17 to 35-17.
“He was very aggressive,” Cavaliers coach Mike Brown said. “Offensively, he’s got an amazing bag of tricks he can go into to put points on the board, whether it’s by him or with him getting an assist to a teammate. It’s good to have a guy like that, who can come off the bench and change the game like he did tonight.”
Milwaukee, who opened the game with an 11-0 lead, did not score a point for more than 10 minutes during Cleveland’s run.
Mo Williams (13), J.J. Hickson (11) and Shaquille O’Neal (10) also were in double figures for the Cavaliers, who led 52-33 at halftime.
“I just love the success of my teammates when they’re out there doing that,” James said of the big first half run. “We’re all about chemistry and we’re getting better every day.”
Brandon Jennings scored 24 points for Milwaukee, but received little support. Carlos Delfino and Hakim Warrick added 11 each.
KNICKS 106, NETS 97
At New York, Larry Hughes scored 16 of his 25 points in the third quarter as New York sent New Jersey back to its losing ways.
Al Harrington had 26 points and 14 rebounds for the Knicks in their third victory in four games. The Nets beat Charlotte on Friday for their first victory after a record 18 straight losses to begin the season.
PISTONS 98, WIZARDS 94
At Auburn Hills, Michigan, Rodney Stuckey scored 25 points and Charlie Villanueva added 18 as Detroit beat Washington in coach Flip Saunders’ first game at the Palace since being fired by the Pistons after the 2007-2008 season.
Caron Butler had 20 points and 10 rebounds, and Earl Boykins scored 18 for the Wizards.
HEAT 115, KINGS 102
At Sacramento, California, Dwyane Wade tallied up 34 points and 10 assists as Miami never trailed against Sacramento.
Michael Beasley had 20 points, helping the Heat beat Sacramento for the 11th time in 12 games. Quentin Richardson made five three-pointers and also scored 20 points.
Dorell Wright added a season-high 19 points and Udonis Haslem had 25.
Rookie Tyreke Evans scored 30 points for the Kings.
In other NBA action, it was:
• Lakers 108, Suns 88
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