California -
Kevin Durant, the star player, outshined LeBron James in a victory last Monday in the NBA by the defending champions Golden State Warriors over the Cleveland Cavaliers with a score of 99-92.
The game was decided with 1 minute and 33 seconds remaining, thanks to a three-pointer by Klay Thompson, in a Christmas game between two teams that have faced each other in the last three NBA finals. The leading scorer for the Cavaliers was the small forward Kevin Love, with 31 points and 18 rebounds, while LeBron contributed 20 points, six rebounds, and six assists.
In one of the best plays, LeBron advanced to the basket in the final seconds, but Durant prevented any opportunity for a comeback by the Cavaliers on Christmas day. Durant raised his fist in the air and shook his head to emphasize that he was not going to allow his opponent to score. Then, fascinated, he pounded his chest.
Durant's block, with 24m5s remaining, had to be reviewed on video, which ruled out any foul. Durant finished with 25 points, seven rebounds, and five blocks.
For the Warriors, the star player Stephen Curry missed his eighth consecutive game due to a sprained right ankle. Thompson finished with 24 points and Draymond Green had a triple-double with 12 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists.
Westbrook vs. Harden
In Oklahoma City, Russell Westbrook ended with 31 points and 11 assists to help the Thunder secure a 112-107 victory over the Houston Rockets in another Christmas game in the NBA.
The also star basketball player Paul George contributed 24 points to the victory and Carmelo Anthony added 20, and OKC won their fifth consecutive game.
The devastating scorer James Harden - the leading scorer in the NBA this season - led the Rockets with 29 points, but only made 7 of 18 field goals at the end. (D)
12
13 wins
The victory over the Cavaliers was the Warriors' twelfth in the last thirteen games after their eleven-game winning streak was broken by Denver on Saturday night.
"Kevin (Durant) did a tremendous job. First, to respond in the individual duel, but also to protect the rim."
- LeBron James, Cavaliers small forward