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NBA: LeBron James’ triple-double sparks the Cavaliers

Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) talks with an official after he was called for a foul against the Washington Wizards on Dec. 17.
(Nick Wass / Associated Press)
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LeBron James had 20 points, 15 assists and 12 rebounds to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers past the Washington Wizards 106-99 on Sunday night for their 18th victory in 19 games.

James had his fourth triple-double in the last five games despite being called for four fouls in the final quarter. Kevin Love had 25 points and nine rebounds for the Cavaliers.

Bradley Beal led Washington with 27 points, and John Wall had 15 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in 32 minutes in his third game back after sitting out nine games because of an injured left knee.

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In a matchup of Eastern Conference division leaders, neither team led by more than seven points until Wall turned the ball over, leading to a fastbreak for James, who was fouled and completed the three-point play to put the Cavaliers ahead 103-94.

James overtook Hakeem Olajuwon for ninth place all-time in made field goals and tied Nick Van Exel for 24th all-time in most three-pointers.

He played the first half wearing one black shoe and one white, reading “equality” in gold capital letters.

at Detroit 114, Orlando 110: Reggie Bullock scored a career-high 20 points and the Pistons tied a franchise record with 17 three-point baskets. Detroit nearly let the game slip away when the Magic went on a 19-0 run to cut the lead to five points late in the fourth quarter. Nikola Vucevic had 24 points and 14 rebounds for the Magic, Mario Hezonja scored 28 points and Jonathon Simmons had 23.

Indiana 109, at Brooklyn 97: Victor Oladipo scored 26 points, Domantas Sabonis had 17 and the Pacers sent the Nets to their third consecutive defeat. Quincy Acy, Caris LeVert and Joe Harris each had 14 points for Brooklyn. Indiana has won 13 of its last 17 regular-season games against the Nets dating to 2003, incuding the last five.

at Toronto 108, Sacramento 93: DeMar DeRozan scored 21 points, Jonas Valanciunas had 13 points and a season-high 16 rebounds, and the Raptors won at home for the ninth consecutive time. The Raptors are an NBA-best 11-1 at home. Bogdan Bogdanovic and Garrett Temple each scored 18 points for the Kings, who are a league-worst 4-13 on the road.

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