Heat beats Cavaliers, 101-91, in LeBron James’ return to Miami

Dwyane Wade scored 24 of his 31 points in the first half, Luol Deng finished with 25 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, and the Miami Heat beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in LeBron James’ first game back at his former home, 101-91, on Thursday.

Chris Andersen scored 12 for the Heat, which led by as many as 17 and trailed for a moment in the fourth quarter before gathering itself and pulling away again.

James scored 30 points for the Cavaliers, hugging his former teammates before the game and after the final buzzer. It was James’ first time as an opponent in Miami since helping the Heat reach each of the last four NBA Finals, winning two titles.

Kyrie Irving added 25 points, and Kevin Love scored 14 for Cleveland.

Miami was again without Chris Bosh, still sidelined because of a calf injury.

James and Wade shared a long embrace before the game, then were chatting and laughing as they waited for the second half to start. They even had another conversation before leaving the floor once the game was over.

In the end, only Wade left with what each wanted most — a win.

Oklahoma City 114, at San Antonio 106: Russell Westbrook scored 34 points, and the Thunder beat the Spurs in a rematch of last season’s Western Conference finals. Oklahoma City earned its sixth straight regular-season victory over the defending NBA champions in the first meeting between the teams since San Antonio topped Oklahoma City in six games on the way to a fifth title.

Washington 102, at New York 91: John Wall had 24 points and 11 assists, eluding the Knicks all day until getting knocked to the floor by a flagrant foul that sparked an altercation, and the Wizards beat New York. Carmelo Anthony scored 34 points for the Knicks, who fell to 5-26 and have the most losses in the NBA. They have dropped six straight and 16 of 17.