James scores 31, sparks comeback as Cavaliers beat Jazz
CLEVELAND (AP) -- LeBron James tied a season high with 31 points, including 17 to spark a fourth-quarter comeback, and the Cleveland Cavaliers won their seventh straight, 118-114 over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night.
Cleveland trailed 95-86 deficit midway through the fourth, but James took over and brought the Quicken Loans Arena crowd to its feet with one of his trademark plays.
With the Cavaliers trailing 95-91, James stole the ball near midcourt and headed to the basket. Rodney Hood wrapped his arms around James, but the four-time MVP made a layup anyway and flexed his bicep as Hood was called for the foul.
James made the foul shot and Cleveland followed with a 10-0 run to go ahead 104-98.
Utah cut the lead to 107-105, but James hit a hook shot in the lane and split four free throws.
Tristan Thompson's three-point play off James' assist and four free throws by Mo Williams, who scored 29 points, sealed the win.
Alec Burks led Utah with 24 points while Gordon Hayward and Derrick Favors each added 17.
Kevin Love scored 22 points for Cleveland, which hasn't lost since the season opener in Chicago.
Love remained in the game after coming down awkwardly on his left leg while missing a breakaway dunk attempt in the third quarter. He was down behind the baseline for a few moments but stayed in after Cleveland called timeout.
James bruised his left quad Friday against Philadelphia when he scored 31 points and had 13 assists, both season highs. He scored 29 points Sunday against Indiana.
Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (knee, quad injuries) started after missing three games. He scored seven points in 22 minutes.
Trey Burke and Rodney Hood scored 16 apiece for Utah.
Cleveland committed 17 turnovers, resulting in 29 points.
TIP-INS
Jazz: Utah began a four-game trip, which includes Atlanta, Miami and Orlando. The teams were a combined 20-11 going into Tuesday. ... The Jazz haven't beaten a team with a winning record.
Cavaliers: Smith didn't have any soreness after a full practice. "The biggest thing is wind, trying to get your wind back," he said. "There's no shape like game shape. I think that's the biggest thing. Other than that, everything should be like riding a bike."
