King James leads Cavs past Pacers

CLEVELAND, Ohio (AP):

LeBron James made a big 3-pointer in the final minute of the second overtime and scored 41 points to offset 43 by Indiana's Paul George, and the Cleveland Cavaliers opened their April schedule with a 135-130 win yesterday over the Indiana Pacers, who remain on the outside of the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference.

James added 15 rebounds and 11 assists in 52 minutes for the defending NBA champions, who ended the game with some drama as Tristan Thompson and James angrily exchanged words during a timeout in the second OT.

Kyrie Irving made four free throws in the final 16.5 seconds and Kevin Love had 20 points and 12 rebounds as Cleveland stayed within a half-game of Boston for the top spot in the East. The Cavs visit the Celtics on Wednesday night.

George was magnificent in defeat, scoring 19 straight points for Indiana in the overtime sessions.

Other scores on the night:

Celtics 110 94 Knicks

Hornets 113 101 Thunder

Jazz 103 99 Spurs

Grizzlies 103 108 Lakers

Mavericks 109 105 Bucks

Nuggets 116 113 Heat

Bulls 117 110 Pelicans

Hawks 82 91 Nets

76ers 105 113 Rapters