WASHINGTON (AFP) – LeBron James sank an astonishing 3-pointer to force overtime and Kyrie Irving sparkled late as the Cleveland Cavaliers outlasted Washington 140-135 on Monday in an epic NBA thriller.
A game featuring playoff-level intensity from tip-off to last shot saw the defending champions rally in overtime after James had fouled out while the Wizards saw their 17-game home win streak snapped.
“It was an instant classic – a great basketball game by two really good teams,’’ Wizards coach Scott Brooks said.
On the same night the New York Daily News reported unnamed sources saying James was pushing for the Cavs to trade Kevin Love to New York for former Olympic teammate Carmelo Anthony, Love scored 39 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, making major plays late to doom the Wizards.
“Thirty-nine and 12? We’re going to trade him tonight,’’ Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue told reporters with a grin after the game before adding, “He’s not going anywhere.’’
James said of the report: “That’s trash.’’
With the Wizards leading 118-117 and 12 seconds remaining, James drove the length of the court but missed a layup, setting up two John Wall free throws for a 3-point Washington lead with 3.4 seconds remaining.
“It was a point-blank layup and I missed it,’’ James said. “I was blessed to (get) in position where I could make up for it.’’
Love hurled a long pass to James along the right sideline and the four-time NBA Most Valuable Player banked in a shock fadeaway 3-pointer over Washington’s Bradley Beal to deadlock the game at 120-120.