THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS strengthened their grip on the NBA Eastern Conference first-round playoff series against the Detroit Pistons after winning 107-90.
LeBron James led the way with 27 points in game two in Cleveland as the East’s top-seeded Cavs moved 2-0 ahead in the best-of-seven match-up.
Just like Sunday’s opener, the Cavs were tested, needing a 27-15 third quarter and a playoff record-equalling 20 three-pointers to see off the Pistons and maintain home-court advantage. JR Smith (21 points) made seven shots from beyond the arc, while Kyrie Irving contributed 22 points.
The Pistons, who have suffered 10 consecutive playoff defeats to the Cavs, were led by Andre Drummond’s 20 points on the road.
Elsewhere, the Los Angeles Clippers and Miami Heat also claimed back-to-back wins for 2-0 series leads.
The Clippers pulled clear late to down the Portland Trail Blazers 102-81 in the Western Conference first round. Portland threatened early in the final quarter but were outlasted by the Clippers, who scored 35 points to see out the game in Los Angeles.
Chris Paul was the pick of the Clippers players, scoring 25 points, while Blake Griffin added 12 points.
Mason Plumlee’s double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Damian Lillard’s 17 points were not enough to lift the Trail Blazers.
Dwyane Wade led the Heat to victory against the Hornets. Lynne Sladky
Lynne Sladky
Dwyane Wade guided the Heat past the Charlotte Hornets 115-103 in the East.
Wade had 28 points for the Heat, who never trailed in the second half. Play-off debutant Hassan Whiteside was a Heat post-season record eight-for-eight from the field, posting 17 points and 13 rebounds.
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Watch: LeBron to the fore as Cavaliers tie NBA playoff record
THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS strengthened their grip on the NBA Eastern Conference first-round playoff series against the Detroit Pistons after winning 107-90.
LeBron James led the way with 27 points in game two in Cleveland as the East’s top-seeded Cavs moved 2-0 ahead in the best-of-seven match-up.
Just like Sunday’s opener, the Cavs were tested, needing a 27-15 third quarter and a playoff record-equalling 20 three-pointers to see off the Pistons and maintain home-court advantage. JR Smith (21 points) made seven shots from beyond the arc, while Kyrie Irving contributed 22 points.
The Pistons, who have suffered 10 consecutive playoff defeats to the Cavs, were led by Andre Drummond’s 20 points on the road.
Elsewhere, the Los Angeles Clippers and Miami Heat also claimed back-to-back wins for 2-0 series leads.
The Clippers pulled clear late to down the Portland Trail Blazers 102-81 in the Western Conference first round. Portland threatened early in the final quarter but were outlasted by the Clippers, who scored 35 points to see out the game in Los Angeles.
Chris Paul was the pick of the Clippers players, scoring 25 points, while Blake Griffin added 12 points.
Mason Plumlee’s double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Damian Lillard’s 17 points were not enough to lift the Trail Blazers.
Dwyane Wade guided the Heat past the Charlotte Hornets 115-103 in the East.
Wade had 28 points for the Heat, who never trailed in the second half. Play-off debutant Hassan Whiteside was a Heat post-season record eight-for-eight from the field, posting 17 points and 13 rebounds.
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