The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 112 - 105, at Spectrum Center on Friday night. The Cavaliers (47 - 24) have been flirting with losing their hold on the Eastern Conference's top seed and entered Friday's contest just one game ahead of the Boston Celtics. LeBron James had called out himself and his teammates out after their latest loss, which came at the hands of the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night. That made Friday's contest particularly important, and the Cavs responded like the defending champions they are. James spearheaded the charge with 32 points, 11 assists, nine rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love were excellent in supporting roles as well, combining for 41 points in their own right, and Cleveland shot an excellent 55 percent from the field overall. Irving followed James with 26 points, seven assists, a rebound and four steals. Love posted a 15 - point, 12 - rebound double - double that also included four assists. J.R. Smith tallied nine points and two rebounds, while Tristan Thompson provided eight points and seven boards. Kyle Korver led the second unit with eight points over 20 minutes. Kemba Walker went toe - to - toe with Irving and posted 28 points, five assists, two rebounds, two steals and a block while leading the Hornets (32 - 40). Marco Belinelli was next with a bench - leading 22 points, which he supplemented with three rebounds and two assists. Nicolas Batum totaled 19 points, two boards, two assists and three steals. Cody Zeller posted a 15 - point, 11 - rebound double - double that also included three assists and two blocks. Marvin Williams accomplished the feat as well, managing 11 points, 11 boards, two assists, a steal and a block. The Cavaliers remain home to tangle with the Washington Wizards on Saturday night, while the Hornets remain home to face the Phoenix Suns on Sunday afternoon.
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