Best of NBA: James Harden's triple-double lifts Rockets over Cavs

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HOUSTON -- James Harden had a triple-double of 38 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds to outduel fellow MVP contender LeBron James and lead the Houston Rockets to a 117-112 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night.

The Rockets were up by six when Nene made a layup before intercepting a bad pass by James. Patrick Beverley made a 3-pointer on the other end to push the lead to 116-107 with less than two minutes left.

Kyrie Irving hit a 3-pointer with less than a minute to go and added two free throws after that to get the Cavaliers within four. But then Harden added a free throw to end Cleveland's run and secure the victory.

It was the 16th triple-double this season for Harden and his 31st game with at least 30 points.

James had 30 points for the Cavaliers, who lost for the fourth time in five games.

George, Pacers halt hot Heat, 102-98
INDIANAPOLIS -- Paul George scored 28 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead the Indiana Pacers to a 102-98 victory over the Miami Heat on Sunday night.

Indiana fended off a late surge from the Heat, which had won 21 of their previous 25 games. After falling behind 93-85, Miami fought back and took the lead on Dion Waiters' jumper with 3:24 left. But Indiana got clutch plays late from Jeff Teague and Myles Turner. Turner finished with 15 points for Indiana, while Teague had 12 points, five rebounds and four assists.

Hassan Whiteside led the Heat with 26 points and 21 rebounds. He consistently beat the Pacers on the glass on both ends of the floor in one of his more complete games of the season. Waiters finished with 20 points and eight rebounds (see full recap).

Nets beat Knicks for first home win of 2017
NEW YORK -- Jeremy Lin ended an 0-for-9 start with a 3-pointer that halted a Knicks comeback, and the Brooklyn Nets beat New York 120-112 on Sunday night for their first home victory of 2017.

The Nets ended a 16-game losing streak at Barclays Center. They hadn't won here since Dec. 26, when Lin strained his hamstring in a victory over Charlotte.

He missed the next 26 games and struggled through his return here Sunday until taking over after the Knicks had trimmed a 22-point deficit to five. His 3-pointer made it 109-101 with 4:58 remaining and he converted a three-point play with 3:25 to restore Brooklyn's double-digit lead.

Brook Lopez had 25 points for the Nets, who played at home for the first time since Feb. 15.

Carmelo Anthony overcame a slow start to score 27 points for the Knicks, who dropped their third straight (see full recap).

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