LeBron James leads Cleveland past Memphis, 105-91

LeBron James had 25 points and 11 assists, Dion Waiters scored 13 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter and the Cleveland Cavaliers handled one of the Western Conference’s best teams, beating the Memphis Grizzlies, 105-91, on Sunday in Cleveland.

James scored 16 in the second half and the Cavaliers shot a season-best 61% from the field to improve to just 3-6 against West teams. Anderson Varejao scored 18 and Kyrie Irving had 17 points and 12 assists for the Cavaliers, who are 11-3 since their sluggish 5-7 start.

Cleveland, which has won eight of nine at home, is 9-2 when James has at least nine assists.

Marc Gasol scored 23 and added 11 rebounds for the Grizzlies, who played without forward Zach Randolph. He’s nursing a sore and swollen right knee he injured in Friday’s loss at Chicago.

Jon Leuer added 16 points for Memphis, which dropped to 21-6.

Despite not having Randolph, their leading rebounder, the Grizzlies were still within 79-74 when the Cavaliers went on an 8-0 run to take control. Irving triggered the spurt with a basket before Waiters fed James for an alley-oop dunk. Waiters then drained a three-pointer to cap an 11-3 run, and the backup guard who has been inconsistent this season scored eight consecutive points to push Cleveland’s lead to 100-83.

New Orleans 101, at Oklahoma City 99: Anthony Davis scored 38 points to lead the Pelicans to a victory over the Thunder. It was the third-highest point total of Davis’ career.

Phoenix 104, at Washington 92: Eric Bledsoe and Markieff Morris each scored 17 points, Goran Dragic added 16 and the Suns ended the Wizards’ winning streak at six.

at Miami 100, Boston 84: Luol Deng scored 23 points, James Ennis scored 10 of his 16 in the fourth quarter and the Heat ended a five-game home losing streak with a victory over the Celtics.

at Brooklyn 110, Detroit 105: Mason Plumlee scored 10 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter and the Nets held off a late rally for a victory over the Pistons.

at Toronto 118, New York 108: Lou Williams and Kyle Lowry each scored 22 points, and the Raptors beat the Knicks for their sixth consecutive win.

Indiana 100, at Minnesota 96: C.J. Miles scored 28 points and David West bulled his way to the basket for two big points with 34 seconds to play to help the Pacers hold off the Timberwolves.

Philadelphia 96, at Orlando 88: Michael Carter-Williams scored 21 points and the 76ers rallied in the second half to claim a victory over the Magic.