Hardaway carries Knicks over slumping Cavaliers
CLEVELAND (AP) — After the Cavaliers’ fourth loss in five games, LeBron James is turning to the calendar for comfort.
“What month is this for me? October? I’m not about to go crazy over it right now. It’s too long of a season. I’ve been a part of this way too many times,” James said after Sunday night’s 114-95 loss to the New York Knicks.
Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 34 points, Kristaps Porzingis had 32 and the Knicks won for the second time after losing their first three games.
Cleveland, which was blown out by Orlando at home and lost to Brooklyn during this stretch, fell below .500. The Cavaliers were routed 123-101 in New Orleans on Saturday.
“Tonight’s loss and the last couple are unacceptable,” coach Tyronn Lue said.
The Cavaliers are favorites to return to the NBA Finals for the fourth straight season, but their issues continued, particularly on the defensive end.
“Guys are scoring at will against us,” James said. “Our defense is pretty bad right now.” Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 33 points, Khris Middleton had 27 and Milwaukee cruised to a victory over Atlanta in Atlanta. Antetokounmpo also had 11 rebounds and five assists. Victor Oladipo made a 3-pointer with about 10 seconds left, lifting Indiana to a rare win against San Antonio in Indianapolis. Oladipo finished with 23 points and five assists. Kemba Walker had 34 points and 10 assists, and Charlotte defeated Orlando in Charlotte, North Carolina. John Wall scored 11 of his 19 points in the first quarter and had nine assists, Otto Porter Jr. had 16 points and Washington beat Sacramento in Sacramento, California. The father of Houston Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni has died. Lewis D’Antoni was 103. Lewis D’Antoni had a 35-year coaching record of 450200 at three high schools.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Markelle Fultz is out indefinitely with soreness in his right shoulder.
The NBA suspended Washington Wizards guard Carrick Felix and forward Markieff Morris one game apiece for leaving the bench area during a fight.