Kyrie Irving scores 37 as Cleveland beats New York, 90-87

Kyrie Irving scored a season-high 37 points, including a layup with 10 seconds left after a timeout he didn’t seem to want, and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the New York Knicks, 90-87, on Thursday night for their season-best fifth straight victory.

Irving carried the Cavaliers most of the game before LeBron James had five straight points late that helped Cleveland pull it out. James finished with 19 points and 12 assists.

Carmelo Anthony ended a four-for-19 night by missing a three-pointer in the final seconds as the Knicks dropped their sixth straight and fell to 4-16.

Tim Hardaway Jr. added 20 points and Amare Stoudemire had 18 points and nine rebounds for the Knicks, who were trying to surprise the Cavaliers for the second time this season.

But New York, which spoiled James’ first game back in Cleveland with a 95-90 victory on Oct. 30, couldn’t hold on after leading by seven in the final quarter.

James, content to be a passer much of the game, nailed a three-pointer for an 86-85 lead with 3:54 left, then helped force a turnover and turned it into a fast-break dunk for a three-point lead with 3:25 to go.

at Portland 88, Indiana 82: LaMarcus Aldridge had 18 points and 13 rebounds for his fourth straight double-double and the Trail Blazers beat the Pacers. Damian Lillard led all scorers with 23 points for the Blazers, who have won three straight and 12 of their last 13.

at Golden State 112, New Orleans 85: Stephen Curry had 19 points and a season-high 11 assists, Klay Thompson scored 23 points, and the Warriors beat the Pelicans for their 11th consecutive win.