Irving helps condemn Thunder to third straight defeat

Oklahoma City Thunder’s post-All-Star misery continued last night as Kyrie Irving’s 31 points helped the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 114-104 win.

Jarrett Jack added 21 points and newcomer Spencer Hawes contributed another 19 as the Cavs inflicted a third straight defeat for OKC since All-Star weekend in New Orleans.

The only highlights of the night for OKC were Kevin Durant’s 28 points and 10 rebounds while Russell Westbrook picking up 24 points and nine assists.

Eight San Antonio players hit double figures, including Marco Belinelli’s 20 point haul in their 120-110 win over the Detroit Pistons.

Returning from a broken finger, Kawhi Leonard made 15 points for the Spurs. For the Pistons, also suffering a third straight loss after this defeat were led by Josh Smith’s tally of 24 points.

The in-form Chicago Bulls had Taj Gibson’s 21 points leading the way in their 103-83 victory over the Golden State Warriors.

Jimmy Butler scored 16 points and Carlos Boozer added 15 points and 13 rebounds for the Bulls to claim their seventh win in eight games.

Dirk Nowitzki’s 18 points helped the Dallas Mavericks see off the New Orleans Pelicans 108-89.

Jerryd Bayless knocked down 29 points as the Boston Celtics saw off the Atlanta Hawks 115-104.

The Utah Jazz beat the Phoenix Suns 109-86, the Memphis Grizzlies saw off the Los Angeles Lakers 108-103 and the Orlando Magic were 101-90 winners over the Philadelphia 76ers – signalling the Sixers’ twelfth defeat in a row.

Portland Trail Blazers shut out the Brooklyn Nets in the fourth in emphatic style to win 124-80, and finally LA Clippers had a second half revival to hold off the Houston Rockets 101-93.