Miami Heat forward LeBron James, left, passes around Los Angeles Lakers guard Wesley Johnson. Credit: Chris Carlson/AP/Press Association Images
Los Angeles Lakers forward Nick Young. Credit: Chris Carlson/AP/Press Association Images
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New York Knicks power forward Amar’e Stoudemire (right) and shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr.Credit: John Minchillo/AP/Press Association Images
Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook (left) looks to pass around New York Knicks point guard Beno Udrih. Credit: John Minchillo/AP/Press Association Images
Chicago Bulls’ D.J. Augustin (left) passes around Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin GarnettSeth Wenig/AP/Press Association Images
On the court, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade put on a show to help Miami hold off the depleted but dogged Los Angeles Lakers for a 101-95 Christmas NBA victory.
The two-time defending champion Heat were heavy favorites in the holiday matchup against a Lakers team beset by injuries — including the broken bone in superstar Kobe Bryant’s left knee.
Bryant’s absence robbed the contest of some of its marquee value, but the 35-year-old star said before the game that he had every confidence he’d be back this season.
Oklahoma City also notched a Christmas road win — their first on the holiday in 10 attempts.
Kevin Durant scored 20 of his 29 points in the first half and Russell Westbrook notched his first triple-double of the season and seventh of his career with 14 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists to lead the Thunder to a 123-94 victory over the Knicks in New York.
The Knicks were without Carmelo Anthony, who was ruled out with a sprained left ankle suffered on Monday against Orlando.
The Chicago Bulls beat the Nets 95-78 in Brooklyn.
Taj Gibson scored 20 points off the bench to lead six Chicago players in double figures. Jimmy Butler scored 11 of his 15 points in the third quarter and Carlos Boozer added 14 four the Bulls, who won back-to-back games for the first time since a five-game winning streak in November.
The Houston Rockets also won on the road as James Harden returned from a two-game absence and led all five Rockets starters in double figures with 28 points in a 111-98 win at San Antonio.
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Miami Heat forward LeBron James, left, passes around Los Angeles Lakers guard Wesley Johnson. Credit: Chris Carlson/AP/Press Association Images
Los Angeles Lakers forward Nick Young. Credit: Chris Carlson/AP/Press Association Images
New York Knicks power forward Amar’e Stoudemire (right) and shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr.Credit: John Minchillo/AP/Press Association Images
Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook (left) looks to pass around New York Knicks point guard Beno Udrih. Credit: John Minchillo/AP/Press Association Images
Chicago Bulls’ D.J. Augustin (left) passes around Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin GarnettSeth Wenig/AP/Press Association Images
On the court, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade put on a show to help Miami hold off the depleted but dogged Los Angeles Lakers for a 101-95 Christmas NBA victory.
The two-time defending champion Heat were heavy favorites in the holiday matchup against a Lakers team beset by injuries — including the broken bone in superstar Kobe Bryant’s left knee.
Bryant’s absence robbed the contest of some of its marquee value, but the 35-year-old star said before the game that he had every confidence he’d be back this season.
Oklahoma City also notched a Christmas road win — their first on the holiday in 10 attempts.
The Knicks were without Carmelo Anthony, who was ruled out with a sprained left ankle suffered on Monday against Orlando.
The Chicago Bulls beat the Nets 95-78 in Brooklyn.
Taj Gibson scored 20 points off the bench to lead six Chicago players in double figures. Jimmy Butler scored 11 of his 15 points in the third quarter and Carlos Boozer added 14 four the Bulls, who won back-to-back games for the first time since a five-game winning streak in November.
The Houston Rockets also won on the road as James Harden returned from a two-game absence and led all five Rockets starters in double figures with 28 points in a 111-98 win at San Antonio.
- © AFP 2013
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