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 Irving scored 37 points and James added 32 points and 11
rebounds, boosting the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 126-121 win over the
Clippers on Friday night at Staples Center.
Forward Kevin Love, who hobbled through Thursday's win over the Los
Angeles Lakers, did not play because of back spasms. Thompson,
though, more than replaced him, finishing with 24 points and 12
rebounds as Cleveland (21-20) won its second in a row after ending a
six-game losing streak against the Lakers.
"I was proud of the collective effort that we had tonight on both
ends of the floor," said Irving, who was 12 of 18 from the floor and
connected on five of seven 3-pointers. "It was a game you want to be
a part of as a competitor."
Thompson, who hit 10 of his 12 shots, delivered on a crucial
three-point play with 46.4 seconds remaining. With Irving covered,
James inbounded the ball to Thompson, who got a bucket inside and
was fouled by Los Angeles guard J.J. Redick, giving Cleveland
122-115 lead. It turned out to be the difference in the game.
 "It was set up to get Kyrie to the top of the play and make
something happen," said James, who scored 19 of his points in the
second half. "But once I (saw) both of (the defenders) jump to
Kyrie, I saw (Thompson) open, I just threw it to him and let him
make a play. It's about trusting your teammates."
Forward Blake Griffin had 34 points and 10 rebounds for the Clippers
(26-14), who lost their second in three games. Center DeAndre Jordan
scored 19 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, forward Matt Barnes
produced 17 points, and point guard Chris Paul had 15 points and 14
assists.
Guard Jamal Crawford hit two free throws to pull Los Angeles within
117-113 with 2:49 left. However, a jumper by Irving at 1:54 pushed
the lead to six.
Paul connected on a jumper with 57.9 seconds remaining, cutting the
deficit to four again, before Thompson scored his critical bucket.
Griffin's layup sliced the margin to 123-119 with 14.6 seconds left,
then a basket by Paul drew Los Angeles to 123-121. Two free throws
by guard Matt Dellavedova with nine seconds clinched the victory for
the Cavaliers.
"They made a lot of shots, but we can also be a better defensive
team than that," Clippers coach Doc Rivers said. "I am sure they
think they can be, too. They gave up 121 points. I do think we
played very well offensively, as crazy as that sounds."
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There were 11 lead changes and six ties in the first half -- a total
of 16 and 11 for the game -- before Los Angeles took a 64-61 lead at
the break. The Clippers converted nine of 18 (50 percent) on
3-pointers to four of 11 (36.4 percent) for the Cavaliers.
Cleveland, though, shot 58.1 percent (25 of 43) overall to 49
percent (25 of 51) for the Clippers.
Overall, Cleveland shot 55.4 percent (46 of 83) compared to 47.3
percent (43 of 91) for Los Angeles.
"We gave up 126 points," Paul said. "I am guessing that is the most
we have given up all year. You are not going to win too many games
like that."
Newly-acquired point guard Austin Rivers made his Clippers' debut
and NBA history when he entered the game late in the first quarter.
Rivers became the first player to play for his father, Clippers
coach Doc Rivers. He played 12 scoreless minutes, missing all four
of his field-goal attempts.
NOTES: Clippers PG Austin Rivers said his mom Kris was a "wreck"
when he spoke with her about playing for her husband and his dad,
Doc. "She was calling me and saying 'What if this happens or what
about that,'" Austin Rivers said. "I just said 'Mom, it's not on
anybody but me and him.' At the end of the day, my job is to play
and compete, and that's it. I know my role here. I know Chris (Paul)
and Blake (Griffin) are the leaders here." ... Cavaliers G Iman
Shumpert, who has yet to play since being obtained from the New York
Knicks on Jan. 5 because of a dislocated left shoulder, is expected
to begin practicing next week. ... Clippers forward Matt Barnes got
into a verbal discussion late in the game boxer Floyd Mayweather.
Barnes refused to discuss the incident after the contest. ...
Cleveland hosts the Chicago Bulls on Monday. ... Los Angeles visits
the Sacramento Kings on Saturday.
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